Manchester United vs Manchester City: Jose Mourinho admits starting line-up error after derby defeat
The Portuguese's side suffered defeat thanks to first-half goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho admitted that he would not have chosen the same starting line-up for Manchester United’s 2-1 derby defat to Manchester City at Old Trafford with the benefit of hindsight.
Kevin de Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half goals were enough for Pep Guardiola’s side to take the bragging rights, despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulling one back for the hosts.
Mourinho made two changes to the side which sealed a late victory at Hull a fortnight ago, with Jesse Lingard and Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting on the wings.
Both were brought off at half-time with United trailing and speaking after the defeat, Mourinho admitted he should have selected a different line-up.
"I had two or three players in the first half that, if I know what is going to happen, I don't play them. But this is football and sometimes players disappoint managers.
"It's my fault because I'm the manager and it's always my fault because it's my choice.
"I think in the first half they were much better than us. We started the game bad, with some players really below their normal level in terms of their concentration.
"The second half was completely different. We were in control, we were much more dangerous and we had chances to equalise and who knows what would have happened."
The Portuguese also felt a second-half sliding challenge from Claudio Bravo, City’s debutant goalkeeper, on Wayne Rooney in the box warranted a penalty and a red card.
Mourinho said: "We are very disappointed with the result, but I am very disappointed with two decisions of Mark (Clattenburg).
"It was a penalty and a red card for (Claudio) Bravo. For sure outside the box it is a free-kick and a red card. Inside the box it has to be the same, but obviously even the best referees make mistakes."
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments