Mourinho on Pogba: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho talks about Paul Pogba after a disappointing 3-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium.
The season’s first Manchester derby was played earlier today at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City have been solid in the league so far, while United, in contrast, have struggled for the most part of the season.
United showed spirited displays against Chelsea, and capitalized on it with back to back wins over Everton, Bournemouth and Juventus at Turin. However, Mourinho’s side fell at the Etihad stadium to a much-superior City side.
Pep Guardiola’s men ran with the game and emerged on top of their neighbours as City secured an emphatic 3-1 victory. United were without Paul Pogba, and a poor defensive performance led to a fourth loss for Mourinho’s men.
With this win, Manchester City are back to the top of the Premier League table, while United, who had a chance to climb up to 6th, will stay at 8th. Interestingly, Manchester United are the only side in the top-10 to have a negative goal difference.
The Manchester United manager, meanwhile, stressed on the importance of Paul Pogba for the side after the defeat to Man City.
Mourinho on Pogba:
Jose Mourinho insisted that his side played good football, but Manchester United conceded silly mistakes for all the three goals.
Mourinho: “We had two matches away [Juventus and then City], it is not the physical effort but the mental pressure. I think some of the boys felt it a little bit. The first one is a bad one to concede and the second one is even worse. The third goal kills everything.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@MUFCScoop) November 11, 2018
“I am with my players,” Mourinho said. “I am even with the players who made mistakes today for the City goals. We are improving, we are together and we are together until the end.”
Mourinho admitted that Marouane Fellaini wasn’t ready to play 90 minutes, but an untimely injury to Paul Pogba forced him to play the Belgian midfielder.
Mourinho: “Everybody has to agree. It is one thing to go to Juventus and play against one of the best teams in the world for 90 minutes. Another thing to beat Shakhtar Donetsk at home 6-0 and be very relaxed. We arrive in different circumstances.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@MUFCScoop) November 11, 2018
The Manchester United manager also stated that he missed Paul Pogba.
“Fellaini was not ready to play for 90 minutes. At 2-1 I could imagine bringing a fresh Fellaini to the pitch, then they would have been in big trouble. For different reasons we miss Paul but it is not an excuse.
Fellaini: “It was a derby game, both teams want to win it but it was a tough game. High intensity. We had a tough week with three games away, we competed, tried our best. It is frustrating for us.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@MUFCScoop) November 11, 2018
“I think our team is improving a lot, even defensively. Despite conceding three goals today I don’t think it was mistakes from the back four.”
