E-Paper
Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho admits Premier League title race ‘probably’ over
Manchester United F.C. fell 11 points adrift of rivals Manchester City F.C. after losing to Pep Guardiola’s men in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho says the title race may be over.
Manchester United F.C. manager Jose Mourinho conceded the title race to “lucky” Manchester City F.C. after Pep Guardiola’s side left Old Trafford on Sunday with a 2-1 win and 11-point lead in the Premier League.
Goals from David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi, either side of Marcus Rashford’s equaliser, secured City’s 14th win in succession, an English top-flight record in a single season.
(Read | Premier League: Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 in high-voltage derby)
Mourinho was enraged by referee Michael Oliver booking Ander Herrera for diving late on as the Spaniard tumbled over Otamendi’s challenge in the penalty area - a moment laced with mirth given the Portuguese’s pre-match accusations over City’s simulation.
But Mourinho believes City are being “protected by luck” in their march to the top of the league - a factor he thinks could help them lift the trophy.
(Read | Premier League: Everton hold Liverpool at Anfield, Arsenal draw vs Southampton)
Asked by BBC Sport if the title race was over, Mourinho said: “Probably, yes.
“Manchester City are a very good team and they are protected by the luck, and the gods of football are behind them.
“I’m pretty sure everyone is going to fight for points and try and reduce the distance, but the advantage is a very good one.”
