This week’s match at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Real Madrid was one for the record books. However, the big night was marred by a reckless and stupid decision by the referee as he wrongly sent off United’s Nani, which was a major factor in their 2-1 loss to Madrid and saw them being dumped out of the UEFA Champions League.

The decision is going to be viewed and reviewed over and over again in the coming weeks. It’s only natural for United to feel disappointed because of the decision, also clearly, United created more chances, were better organized, and outclassed Madrid in almost every key area of the pitch. Despite that, Madrid went through. Such is the nature of the game.

Madrid’s manager Jose Mourinho himself was surprised by the red card, and was a tad embarrassed at the final whistle. He spoke to the press moments after the game and genuinely admitted that United were the superior side on the night.

“The best team lost. We didn’t deserve to win. Football is like this but I won’t talk about the [Nani] decision,” he said.

“My feeling is that Manchester United were playing very well, were very compact and aggressive in a good way.”

“I doubt that 11 v 11 we win the match. Today I am frustrated as we played so well against Barcelona and today, I was waiting for more.”

The genuine and hearty admission of Mourinho in terms of fair play, sportsmanship and honesty was something which touched many across the footballing fraternity. The respect for the Portugese manager seems to only be increasing, especially considering that he has been criticized in the past for his behavior towards his players or the opposite teams’. Maybe the man has really changed?

What does this all mean for Chelsea. The Blues have been linked to many high profile names, but it seems as though their former boss Mourinho is deep down still one of them. He cemented his name as one of the top managers with Chelsea between 2004 and 2007 before moving onto Inter Milan, and now to Real Madrid.

Chelsea owner Abramovich will surely have been intrigued by Mourinho’s interview last night. Does his honesty and fair play impress Abramovich? Or does the new honesty bother the Chelsea owner, and might concern him that Mourinho has perhaps lost his ruthlessness and edge, which won him so many trophies over the years?

When it comes time to make a decision, what should Abramovich do? Does he really want the “Special One” back at Stamford Bridge?