Man Utd Deserve More Respect – Jose Mourinho
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says his side “deserve a bit more respect” after they fought back from two goals down to beat Manchester City and delay their neighbours’ Premier League coronation.
United have received criticism for their performances under the Portuguese coach at times during his reign.
However, they produced a memorable comeback at Etihad Stadium to win 3-2.
“I think we are a bit better than people think,” said Mourinho.
“The players are a bit better than people think and I am a bit better than people think.
“We deserve a bit more respect than people give.”
A victory for Manchester City in the derby would have secured the Premier League title on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side will now need to win at Tottenham next Saturday and hope Manchester United lose at home to West Brom the day after to be confirmed as champions next weekend.
The win for United means they remain second, but are now four points ahead of third-placed Liverpool with a game in hand after Jurgen Klopp’s side drew with Everton in the Merseyside derby earlier on Saturday.
Mourinho revealed he congratulated Guardiola after the game on winning the title – even if it is not yet mathematically confirmed.
“Of course they are frustrated because they wanted to do it today, but I congratulate them for the title because they are going to win and deservedly,” he added.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling scored the winner after two quick goals by Paul Pogba cancelled out first-half strikes by Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan.
Smalling said a few words from Mourinho during the half-time interval helped inspire them to victory.
The England international said: “The manager didn’t have to say much at half-time as we knew ourselves as players it was a poor performance.
“He said that we didn’t want to be the clowns standing there watching them get their title. City have been fantastic here all season, but we stepped up and won the game.”
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