Mourinho blames United's Juventus exertions for derby loss

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva reckons a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-beat-manchester-united-to-go-top-of-premier-league-176716">derby win over Manchester United</a> has dealt a huge blow to their local rivals' title hopes, saying Jose Mourinho's men would need to be "almost perfect" between now and the end of the season if they were to win the Premier League.

City, the reigning English champions and Premier League leaders, opened up a 12-point lead over United with a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Goals early in each half from David Silva and Sergio Aguero put City in command at 2-0 up before United pulled one back through an Anthony Martial penalty just before the hour mark.

City, however, sealed victory four minutes from time when Ilkay Gundogan crowned a 44-pass move to slot home from close range.

This was United's fourth defeat in 12 games and left them eighth in the table.&nbsp;

Before kick-off City manager Pep Guardiola had insisted United would remain title contenders even if they lost, but Silva was not so sure.&nbsp;

"It won't be easy. Not only Man City -- (they are) 10 points from Liverpool, a lot of points from the other ones as well," Silva said.

"They need to be almost perfect and wait for the other ones to lose a lot of points. I think it won't be easy," the Portugal international added.

'Amazing'

Silva, who provided the final cross from which Gundogan scored, was proud of the way City responded after Martial gave United hope of a comeback.

"After their goal we knew they would have confidence to try to come for a second but I think our performance was amazing. We didn't concede one chance -- only the penalty.

"I think the team was very concentrated, very focused on what we had to do," Silva added.

City have dropped just four points so far this season, scoring 36 goals in 12 Premier League games and conceding a mere five.

But at the same stage last term they led the table by eight points and yet they are now just two clear of second-placed Liverpool.

"We know it won't be easy this season," Silva said. "Liverpool are doing a fantastic Premier League as well.

"We want to try to and have a bigger gap during the months of December and January, where you have a lot of games. We will work very hard for that and try to improve on this."

Meanwhile, United defender Victor Lindelof believes his side should have been more aggressive following Martial's goal.

"After we scored after our first goal we could have been a bit more aggressive and tried a little bit more," he told MUTV, United's own television station.

"After that goal they were quite nervous and it felt like we could have scored another, but they scored a third goal instead.

"We had quite a lot of possession, but we didn't really come in behind their defensive line into their last third of the pitch. We tried and it felt like we could've hurt them more."

Defeat let United as close to a Cardiff side in the relegation zone as they are to City.

But when this point was put to United manager Mourinho, he replied by saying: "I think we are not going to be relegated."

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva reckons a derby win over Manchester United has dealt a huge blow to their local rivals' title hopes, saying Jose Mourinho's men would need to be "almost perfect" between now and the end of the season if they were to win the Premier League.

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva reckons a derby win over Manchester United has dealt a huge blow to their local rivals' title hopes, saying Jose Mourinho's men would need to be "almost perfect" between now and the end of the season if they were to win the Premier League. City, the reigning English champions and Premier League leaders, opened up a 12-point lead over United with a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Goals early in each half from David Silva and Sergio Aguero put City in command at 2-0 up before United pulled one back through an Anthony Martial penalty just before the hour mark. City, however, sealed victory four minutes from time when Ilkay Gundogan crowned a 44-pass move to slot home from close range. This was United's fourth defeat in 12 games and left them eighth in the table. Before kick-off City manager Pep Guardiola had insisted United would remain title contenders even if they lost, but Silva was not so sure. "It won't be easy. Not only Man City -- (they are) 10 points from Liverpool, a lot of points from the other ones as well," Silva said. "They need to be almost perfect and wait for the other ones to lose a lot of points. I think it won't be easy," the Portugal international added. 'Amazing' Silva, who provided the final cross from which Gundogan scored, was proud of the way City responded after Martial gave United hope of a comeback. "After their goal we knew they would have confidence to try to come for a second but I think our performance was amazing. We didn't concede one chance -- only the penalty. "I think the team was very concentrated, very focused on what we had to do," Silva added. City have dropped just four points so far this season, scoring 36 goals in 12 Premier League games and conceding a mere five. But at the same stage last term they led the table by eight points and yet they are now just two clear of second-placed Liverpool. "We know it won't be easy this season," Silva said. "Liverpool are doing a fantastic Premier League as well. "We want to try to and have a bigger gap during the months of December and January, where you have a lot of games. We will work very hard for that and try to improve on this." Meanwhile, United defender Victor Lindelof believes his side should have been more aggressive following Martial's goal. "After we scored after our first goal we could have been a bit more aggressive and tried a little bit more," he told MUTV, United's own television station. "After that goal they were quite nervous and it felt like we could have scored another, but they scored a third goal instead. "We had quite a lot of possession, but we didn't really come in behind their defensive line into their last third of the pitch. We tried and it felt like we could've hurt them more." Defeat let United as close to a Cardiff side in the relegation zone as they are to City. But when this point was put to United manager Mourinho, he replied by saying: "I think we are not going to be relegated."

Bernardo Silva believes City's derby win may have ended United's title bid

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-beat-manchester-united-to-go-top-of-premier-league-176716">defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City </a>on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus.

United fought back for a 2-1 victory against the Italian champions in Turin on Wednesday while City cruised through a home game against Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 and the Portuguese manager was quick to point out that context.

He said the players were feeling it physically and mentally.

Mourinho was without French midfielder Paul Pogba, sidelined with injury, and while the United boss did not want to use that absence as an excuse, he said the need to play Marouane Fellaini had limited his later options.

Despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United's dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season.

United remain eighth, 12 points behind the leaders, and manager Mourinho refused to talk about his team still having any sort of title chances.

Pep Guardiola, City's manager, was quick to point out that Liverpool and Chelsea had also made strong starts to the campaign and said it was too early to be discussing where the title may be heading.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho responded to his side's 3-1 derby defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday by saying his team had paid the price for their midweek Champions League exertions in beating Juventus. United fought back for a 2-1 victory against the Italian champions in Turin on Wednesday while City cruised through a home game against Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 and the Portuguese manager was quick to point out that context. He said the players were feeling it physically and mentally. Mourinho was without French midfielder Paul Pogba, sidelined with injury, and while the United boss did not want to use that absence as an excuse, he said the need to play Marouane Fellaini had limited his later options. Despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United's dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season. United remain eighth, 12 points behind the leaders, and manager Mourinho refused to talk about his team still having any sort of title chances. Pep Guardiola, City's manager, was quick to point out that Liverpool and Chelsea had also made strong starts to the campaign and said it was too early to be discussing where the title may be heading.

Mourinho blames Man United's Juventus exertions for derby loss

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has taken a veiled swipe at Manchester City star Sergio Aguero before Sunday's derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

Mourinho said of Aguero that "there are little things in his game I am not a fan of", although he declined to elaborate further when asked.

Aguero, City's all-time leading scorer, was criticised heavily by Mourinho after a 0-0 draw with United at the Etihad in April 2017.

United midfielder Marouane Fellaini was sent off for a headbutt on the Argentina international, with Mourinho suggesting the striker's reaction had been over-dramatic.

"I saw Aguero in the tunnel but (there was) no broken nose, no broken head, (and) his face is nice as always," Mourinho said at the time.

Mourinho was quick to pay tribute to Aguero's qualities as a goalscorer before United's latest clash with arch rivals City, but he dropped a strong hint that he believes there is a dark side to his game.

"I only fear when I play against him. I admire him because of his fantastic qualities," Mourinho said.

"There are little things in his game that I am not a big fan of, but the numbers speak by themselves. The number of goals he scores.

"It is not about scoring for one season, it is about scoring goals in your career. It is about scoring goals in a different league, like the Spanish league. Clearly, he is a goalscorer all over the world."

Asked what it was about Aguero he was not a fan of, Mourinho responded: "I keep (that) for me."

Meanwhile, the United manager made what appeared to be a reference to City's spending when discussing his own squad rebuilding job at Old Trafford.

Mourinho has spent an estimated £370 million ($480 million) on players since arriving at United in May 2016, while City manager Pep Guardiola is thought to have spent around £485 million over the same period.

- Case for the defence -

United have spent extensively in central defence, midfield and attack during Mourinho's reign, although the manager chose to focus on the full-back positions, an area in which City invested heavily in the summer of 2017, when they signed Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo.

Mourinho cited the example of Luke Shaw, a player who is now a regular in the United side after a long spell struggling for form, as an example of his ability to develop players on his books rather than dip into the transfer market for a replacement.

"If I need a full-back and I buy four, it is easier," Mourinho said.&nbsp;

"If I need a full-back because I am not happy with Luke Shaw's level, the easiest thing is to buy four. Some clubs can buy four."

City have only bought three full-backs under Guardiola, but no other Premier League club has spent as much money in that position over the past three years, suggesting that they were the target of Mourinho's comments.

"We didn't buy a left-back for three years. We were wishing and working for Luke Shaw to be that left-back, but during that process we played Matteo Darmian, we played Ashley Young, we played Marcos Rojo," he said.&nbsp;

"We didn't buy four. There is a difference. To buy four you only need good scouting and money. To make players takes more time."

United go into Sunday's derby having won three games in a row, reducing talk of a crisis that, at one stage in early October, looked as if it might cost Mourinho his job.

The former Chelsea boss says fevered talk of problems at Old Trafford comes with the territory of managing such a prestigious club.

"It is Manchester United's fault. When I say fault, I mean for the right reasons," he said.&nbsp;

"It is the history of the club that makes one defeat become a crisis. It is the history, the prestige."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has taken a veiled swipe at Manchester City star Sergio Aguero before Sunday's derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium. Mourinho said of Aguero that "there are little things in his game I am not a fan of", although he declined to elaborate further when asked.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has taken a veiled swipe at Manchester City star Sergio Aguero before Sunday's derby showdown at the Etihad Stadium. Mourinho said of Aguero that "there are little things in his game I am not a fan of", although he declined to elaborate further when asked. Aguero, City's all-time leading scorer, was criticised heavily by Mourinho after a 0-0 draw with United at the Etihad in April 2017. United midfielder Marouane Fellaini was sent off for a headbutt on the Argentina international, with Mourinho suggesting the striker's reaction had been over-dramatic. "I saw Aguero in the tunnel but (there was) no broken nose, no broken head, (and) his face is nice as always," Mourinho said at the time. Mourinho was quick to pay tribute to Aguero's qualities as a goalscorer before United's latest clash with arch rivals City, but he dropped a strong hint that he believes there is a dark side to his game. "I only fear when I play against him. I admire him because of his fantastic qualities," Mourinho said. "There are little things in his game that I am not a big fan of, but the numbers speak by themselves. The number of goals he scores. "It is not about scoring for one season, it is about scoring goals in your career. It is about scoring goals in a different league, like the Spanish league. Clearly, he is a goalscorer all over the world." Asked what it was about Aguero he was not a fan of, Mourinho responded: "I keep (that) for me." Meanwhile, the United manager made what appeared to be a reference to City's spending when discussing his own squad rebuilding job at Old Trafford. Mourinho has spent an estimated £370 million ($480 million) on players since arriving at United in May 2016, while City manager Pep Guardiola is thought to have spent around £485 million over the same period. - Case for the defence - United have spent extensively in central defence, midfield and attack during Mourinho's reign, although the manager chose to focus on the full-back positions, an area in which City invested heavily in the summer of 2017, when they signed Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo. Mourinho cited the example of Luke Shaw, a player who is now a regular in the United side after a long spell struggling for form, as an example of his ability to develop players on his books rather than dip into the transfer market for a replacement. "If I need a full-back and I buy four, it is easier," Mourinho said. "If I need a full-back because I am not happy with Luke Shaw's level, the easiest thing is to buy four. Some clubs can buy four." City have only bought three full-backs under Guardiola, but no other Premier League club has spent as much money in that position over the past three years, suggesting that they were the target of Mourinho's comments. "We didn't buy a left-back for three years. We were wishing and working for Luke Shaw to be that left-back, but during that process we played Matteo Darmian, we played Ashley Young, we played Marcos Rojo," he said. "We didn't buy four. There is a difference. To buy four you only need good scouting and money. To make players takes more time." United go into Sunday's derby having won three games in a row, reducing talk of a crisis that, at one stage in early October, looked as if it might cost Mourinho his job. The former Chelsea boss says fevered talk of problems at Old Trafford comes with the territory of managing such a prestigious club. "It is Manchester United's fault. When I say fault, I mean for the right reasons," he said. "It is the history of the club that makes one defeat become a crisis. It is the history, the prestige."

Mourinho takes swipe at Aguero ahead of Man City clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola does not think Sunday's derby against Manchester United will define his team's campaign, but is still keen to avoid a repeat of last season's defeat by the same opponents.

City were in control against United in the corresponding fixture at the Etihad Stadium last term, leading by two first-half goals, only for United to stage a second-half rally and win 3-2.

"We have to play good," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. "If we play good, we have a chance to win. You cannot imagine we are going to play amazingly for 90 minutes against top teams.

"I would like to play the same game as last season when we were on top for 75 minutes but United showed us that they just need 10 or 15 minutes to create chances.

"When they have the ball, they can create something because they have incredible talent."

Both teams are in good form, with seventh-placed United on a three-game winning streak and league leaders City having gone 11 games unbeaten in all competitions.

Guardiola is looking forward to the battle but believes the fixture has come too soon to have significant bearing on the title race.

"We are in November so maybe the game at Old Trafford (in March) will be more decisive," the Spaniard said. "Of course we are on a good run, United as well. It's a good derby. All of them are special."

The manager also reiterated his faith in the club in the wake of allegations that they had circumvented financial fair play rules.

"If people want to undermine what we have done, no problem," he said. "We live our lives. Opinions are opinions. I have said I trust the club a lot.

"If there is something wrong, we will be punished. FIFA or UEFA have to say if we were wrong. If we were wrong, we will accept it but I hear what my club said to me and I trust them."

The allegations against City stem from the release of the "Football Leaks" documents, which include emails, contracts and presentations.

The documents were obtained by German publication Der Spiegel and reviewed by Reuters in partnership with international media consortium European Investigative Collaborations.

The City manager's news conference ended in uproarious laughter after he responded to his former player, Brazilian Dani Alves's comment that being coached by Guardiola at Barcelona was "better than sex".

Alves made the comment in a documentary about Guardiola's all-conquering spell at Barcelona, where they won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice.

"I prefer the sex," a grinning Guardiola said in response to a question on Alves's comment. "By far!"

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola does not think Sunday's derby against Manchester United will define his team's campaign, but is still keen to avoid a repeat of last season's defeat by the same opponents.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola does not think Sunday's derby against Manchester United will define his team's campaign, but is still keen to avoid a repeat of last season's defeat by the same opponents. City were in control against United in the corresponding fixture at the Etihad Stadium last term, leading by two first-half goals, only for United to stage a second-half rally and win 3-2. "We have to play good," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. "If we play good, we have a chance to win. You cannot imagine we are going to play amazingly for 90 minutes against top teams. "I would like to play the same game as last season when we were on top for 75 minutes but United showed us that they just need 10 or 15 minutes to create chances. "When they have the ball, they can create something because they have incredible talent." Both teams are in good form, with seventh-placed United on a three-game winning streak and league leaders City having gone 11 games unbeaten in all competitions. Guardiola is looking forward to the battle but believes the fixture has come too soon to have significant bearing on the title race. "We are in November so maybe the game at Old Trafford (in March) will be more decisive," the Spaniard said. "Of course we are on a good run, United as well. It's a good derby. All of them are special." The manager also reiterated his faith in the club in the wake of allegations that they had circumvented financial fair play rules. "If people want to undermine what we have done, no problem," he said. "We live our lives. Opinions are opinions. I have said I trust the club a lot. "If there is something wrong, we will be punished. FIFA or UEFA have to say if we were wrong. If we were wrong, we will accept it but I hear what my club said to me and I trust them." The allegations against City stem from the release of the "Football Leaks" documents, which include emails, contracts and presentations. The documents were obtained by German publication Der Spiegel and reviewed by Reuters in partnership with international media consortium European Investigative Collaborations. The City manager's news conference ended in uproarious laughter after he responded to his former player, Brazilian Dani Alves's comment that being coached by Guardiola at Barcelona was "better than sex". Alves made the comment in a documentary about Guardiola's all-conquering spell at Barcelona, where they won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice. "I prefer the sex," a grinning Guardiola said in response to a question on Alves's comment. "By far!"

Manchester derby will not define City's season, says Pep Guardiola

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have haunted the club which turned him into a global superstar when he volleyed in the opening goal in the 65th minute after Juventus had dominated proceedings and struck the woodwork twice.

Jose Mourinho's side had looked toothless in attack but after the Portuguese threw on Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford late in the game they staged the most unlikely of comebacks to revive memories of their epic 3-2 win from two goals down in Turin in the 1999 semi-finals.

Spaniard Mata equalised with a perfectly-executed free kick in the 86th minute and United caused bedlam in the Juve area with another set-piece, with the ball appearing to go into the net off Alex Sandro after a knockdown from Fellaini.

Competition organisers UEFA later credited Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci with the goal, which meant United became the first English team to beat Juventus away from home in 15 years, when a previous United team, inspired by Ryan Giggs, won 3-0 at the old Stadio dello Alpi in 2003.

The stunning finale prevented Juventus from sealing their place in the last 16. They still lead Group H with nine points but United are second on seven, two ahead of Valencia in third place, while Young Boys are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two.

Defeat would have likely obliged United to beat Young Boys at home and Valencia away to qualify. Now they can seal qualification for the last-16 with a victory against the Swiss side if Valencia fail to beat Juventus in their next fixture.

"We thought we were going to have two finals to play. Now we have one final. A win against Young Boys could do it. Let's hope we can qualify," Mourinho told reporters.

Despite the fact Juventus had squandered so many chances to score, the coach also insisted his side had played well.

"I'm really proud of my boys because their performance was really good. Juventus had one opportunity in the first half, but everything was under control," he said.

"Even if we had not been handed victory in the end I would have been pleased, because we played very well."

Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri cursed his side's inability to see out the game.

"It's a disappointing defeat, because the team played well. We need to improve our finishing, because we never manage to finish games off when we're in control," he said.

Juve's dominant performance at Old Trafford two weeks ago appeared to underline the current gulf in class between the two European greats, which was also reflected in their respective domestic results: Juve are riding high, six points clear at the top of Serie A, while United are seventh in the Premier League.

DEADLY VOLLEY

Juve began strongly and almost went ahead when Sami Khedira side-footed a cross from Ronaldo against the far post.

The Italian champions again struck the woodwork in the second half when Paulo Dybala clipped the crossbar from outside the area, and there was more than an air of inevitability about Ronaldo's deadly volley, created by a classy chipped pass from Bonucci, which broke the deadlock.

This time there was to be no muted celebration from the Portuguese who lifted his shirt to flex his chest muscles before high-fiving team mates.

He could hardly have envisaged the stirring comeback his old side would later conjure, which ended with Mourinho being booed off the pitch after appearing to taunt the home fans.

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16.

Manchester United snatched an extraordinary and barely-deserved 2-1 win at Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday with a late free kick from Juan Mata and a scrappy own goal reviving their hopes of reaching the last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have haunted the club which turned him into a global superstar when he volleyed in the opening goal in the 65th minute after Juventus had dominated proceedings and struck the woodwork twice. Jose Mourinho's side had looked toothless in attack but after the Portuguese threw on Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Marcus Rashford late in the game they staged the most unlikely of comebacks to revive memories of their epic 3-2 win from two goals down in Turin in the 1999 semi-finals. Spaniard Mata equalised with a perfectly-executed free kick in the 86th minute and United caused bedlam in the Juve area with another set-piece, with the ball appearing to go into the net off Alex Sandro after a knockdown from Fellaini. Competition organisers UEFA later credited Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci with the goal, which meant United became the first English team to beat Juventus away from home in 15 years, when a previous United team, inspired by Ryan Giggs, won 3-0 at the old Stadio dello Alpi in 2003. The stunning finale prevented Juventus from sealing their place in the last 16. They still lead Group H with nine points but United are second on seven, two ahead of Valencia in third place, while Young Boys are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two. Defeat would have likely obliged United to beat Young Boys at home and Valencia away to qualify. Now they can seal qualification for the last-16 with a victory against the Swiss side if Valencia fail to beat Juventus in their next fixture. "We thought we were going to have two finals to play. Now we have one final. A win against Young Boys could do it. Let's hope we can qualify," Mourinho told reporters. Despite the fact Juventus had squandered so many chances to score, the coach also insisted his side had played well. "I'm really proud of my boys because their performance was really good. Juventus had one opportunity in the first half, but everything was under control," he said. "Even if we had not been handed victory in the end I would have been pleased, because we played very well." Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri cursed his side's inability to see out the game. "It's a disappointing defeat, because the team played well. We need to improve our finishing, because we never manage to finish games off when we're in control," he said. Juve's dominant performance at Old Trafford two weeks ago appeared to underline the current gulf in class between the two European greats, which was also reflected in their respective domestic results: Juve are riding high, six points clear at the top of Serie A, while United are seventh in the Premier League. DEADLY VOLLEY Juve began strongly and almost went ahead when Sami Khedira side-footed a cross from Ronaldo against the far post. The Italian champions again struck the woodwork in the second half when Paulo Dybala clipped the crossbar from outside the area, and there was more than an air of inevitability about Ronaldo's deadly volley, created by a classy chipped pass from Bonucci, which broke the deadlock. This time there was to be no muted celebration from the Portuguese who lifted his shirt to flex his chest muscles before high-fiving team mates. He could hardly have envisaged the stirring comeback his old side would later conjure, which ended with Mourinho being booed off the pitch after appearing to taunt the home fans.

Champions League: Manchester United fight back to snatch unlikely late win at Juventus

Indian celebrities wishing their fans on a festival has now become a common practice. But today's occasion was made special as European footballers and clubs wished fans living in India and abroad a very 'Happy Diwali'.

Football giants - Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur took to Twitter to wish fans on Diwali.&nbsp;

For the London football club Arsenal, one of the star players Mesut Ozil in a video posted on their official Twitter said, "Happy Diwali."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
If you're celebrating Diwali today, then we've got a special message for you... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyDiwali</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MesutOzil1088</a> and everyone at the club 🕯 <a href="https://t.co/2GjEvrpmnE">pic.twitter.com/2GjEvrpmnE</a>
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1060004663439704064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While Man United has put a Diwali card on its handle, Tottenham Hotspur wished with a video message.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Wishing all our fans a very happy and safe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a>! ✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyDiwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/EBWKRsCG7D">pic.twitter.com/EBWKRsCG7D</a>
— Tottenham Hotspur (@Spurs_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spurs_India/status/1060014310326321152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> to all our followers celebrating today! <a href="https://t.co/9DqE56q9iX">pic.twitter.com/9DqE56q9iX</a>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1060049222295261186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu).

It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.

Indian celebrities wishing their fans on a festival has now become a common practice. But today's occasion was made special as European footballers and clubs wished fans living in India and abroad a very 'Happy Diwali'.

Indian celebrities wishing their fans on a festival has now become a common practice. But today's occasion was made special as European footballers and clubs wished fans living in India and abroad a very 'Happy Diwali'. Football giants - Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur took to Twitter to wish fans on Diwali. For the London football club Arsenal, one of the star players Mesut Ozil in a video posted on their official Twitter said, "Happy Diwali." If you're celebrating Diwali today, then we've got a special message for you... #HappyDiwali from @MesutOzil1088 and everyone at the club 🕯 pic.twitter.com/2GjEvrpmnE — Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 7, 2018 × While Man United has put a Diwali card on its handle, Tottenham Hotspur wished with a video message. Wishing all our fans a very happy and safe #Diwali! ✨#HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/EBWKRsCG7D — Tottenham Hotspur (@Spurs_India) November 7, 2018 × Happy #Diwali to all our followers celebrating today! pic.twitter.com/9DqE56q9iX — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 7, 2018 × Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). It is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana.

Watch: European footballers, clubs wish fans 'Happy Diwali'

Manchester United substitute Marcus Rashford scored a stoppage-time winner as they came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 away and close the gap on the top four in an exciting Premier League clash on Saturday.

Callum Wilson had fired Bournemouth ahead in the 11th minute but they were on the back foot after in-form Anthony Martial netted his fifth goal in the last four games in the 35th and Rashford completed the comeback from close range late on.

United are in provisional seventh spot on 20 points from 11 games, two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal who host second-placed Liverpool in the day's standout fixture at 1730 GMT.

Bournemouth are sixth ahead of United on goal difference after their first home league defeat since April, when they lost 2-0 to United in the closing stages of last season's campaign.

United manager Jose Mourinho was delighted with the outcome but furious with his team's poor defending in the opening stages when they were fortunate to be only a goal down.

"The first half was a disaster," Mourinho told BT Sport. "The second half was much better. We created lots of chances and deserved to score before the 92nd minute.

"We were defensively awful. I think a few mistakes create instability. I love the song, 'attack, attack, attack' but you need to have stability when you lose the ball."

ALL AT SEA

With United's defence looking all at sea in the opening 10 minutes, Bournemouth missed three gilt-edged chances before Wilson fired the Cherries ahead with a simple tap-in following an inch-perfect low cross from the right by Junior Stanislas.

Martial levelled with a powerful left-foot shot from 11 metres, after good work by Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez, the French forward scoring in four successive top-flight games for the first time in his career.

With United's Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku left out of the matchday squad, Martial stepped up to torment his markers in the second half as United piled on the pressure after Ander Herrera and Rashford came on for Juan Mata and Brazil midfielder Fred.

Home keeper Asmir Begovic denied Luke Shaw shortly after the break and late substitute Jesse Lingard in the 89th minute, with Bournemouth also twice clearing off the line after Young's free kick came off the woodwork and caused a goalmouth scramble.

Just when it seemed the home side would hang on, Rashford popped up in the six-yard box to chest down Paul Pogba's cross and tuck the ball past Begovic, prompting wild celebrations among his teammates although a muted reaction from Mourinho.

"I said at halftime I was the luckiest manager in the Premier League," said Mourinho who added that he thought Bournemouth should have been 5-2 or 6-2 ahead by then.

"I said it is impossible to play worse than we did so the second half will be better for sure. I really can't understand the kind of mentality that brings me more white hair!"

Manchester United substitute Marcus Rashford scored a stoppage-time winner as they came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 away and close the gap on the top four in an exciting Premier League clash on Saturday.

Manchester United substitute Marcus Rashford scored a stoppage-time winner as they came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 away and close the gap on the top four in an exciting Premier League clash on Saturday. Callum Wilson had fired Bournemouth ahead in the 11th minute but they were on the back foot after in-form Anthony Martial netted his fifth goal in the last four games in the 35th and Rashford completed the comeback from close range late on. United are in provisional seventh spot on 20 points from 11 games, two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal who host second-placed Liverpool in the day's standout fixture at 1730 GMT. Bournemouth are sixth ahead of United on goal difference after their first home league defeat since April, when they lost 2-0 to United in the closing stages of last season's campaign. United manager Jose Mourinho was delighted with the outcome but furious with his team's poor defending in the opening stages when they were fortunate to be only a goal down. "The first half was a disaster," Mourinho told BT Sport. "The second half was much better. We created lots of chances and deserved to score before the 92nd minute. "We were defensively awful. I think a few mistakes create instability. I love the song, 'attack, attack, attack' but you need to have stability when you lose the ball." ALL AT SEA With United's defence looking all at sea in the opening 10 minutes, Bournemouth missed three gilt-edged chances before Wilson fired the Cherries ahead with a simple tap-in following an inch-perfect low cross from the right by Junior Stanislas. Martial levelled with a powerful left-foot shot from 11 metres, after good work by Ashley Young and Alexis Sanchez, the French forward scoring in four successive top-flight games for the first time in his career. With United's Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku left out of the matchday squad, Martial stepped up to torment his markers in the second half as United piled on the pressure after Ander Herrera and Rashford came on for Juan Mata and Brazil midfielder Fred. Home keeper Asmir Begovic denied Luke Shaw shortly after the break and late substitute Jesse Lingard in the 89th minute, with Bournemouth also twice clearing off the line after Young's free kick came off the woodwork and caused a goalmouth scramble. Just when it seemed the home side would hang on, Rashford popped up in the six-yard box to chest down Paul Pogba's cross and tuck the ball past Begovic, prompting wild celebrations among his teammates although a muted reaction from Mourinho. "I said at halftime I was the luckiest manager in the Premier League," said Mourinho who added that he thought Bournemouth should have been 5-2 or 6-2 ahead by then. "I said it is impossible to play worse than we did so the second half will be better for sure. I really can't understand the kind of mentality that brings me more white hair!"

Last-gasp Rashford goal earns United win at Bournemouth

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles.

United are languishing in eighth place in the table, five points from a Champions League qualification position, as they prepare to visit Bournemouth on Saturday.

But the manager believes his team have been hindered by a series of difficult back-to-back away fixtures, citing the fact they must travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on November 11, four days after a Champions League trip to Juventus, and that they visit Liverpool in December after a European away game against Valencia.

He did not mention that United have also had back-to-back home games three times across all competitions already this season and have only played two of the current top six in their opening 10 league games.

Mourinho, in his pre-match press conference, said he believed the picture at Old Trafford would be rosier at the beginning of the New Year.

"I always say that in the end of the season you play 19 matches at home and away and it doesn't matter when but the reality is that the way the fixtures are coming, sometimes they have an influence in the moment.

"We had a double fixture away in September (at Burnley and Watford). Now we have a double away league fixture at Bournemouth and Manchester City.

"We will have Juventus away before we go to Manchester City, and we will have Valencia away before Liverpool.

"In this part of the season, we play away against possibly the three biggest candidates for the title, in Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, so the calendar was not nice to us.

"But I think by the end of December, which is the end of the first half of the Premier League season, we are not going to be in the position we are now. We will be in a better position."

Title challenge?

Mourinho has refused to rule out a challenge for the title but says the first priority must be to climb into the top four.

"When you are outside the top four I don't think you should speak about the title," he said. "When you are in the top four, which I believe we are going to be, you can look up, see the distance, look to the fixtures, to the calendar."

He declined to reveal whether striker Romelu Lukaku would be recalled at Bournemouth, having been dropped after going eight games without scoring.

The manager also said he was "100 percent not guilty" of using foul language after being cleared by an independent panel of a Football Association charge.

Mourinho was accused of improper conduct for remarks he allegedly made in Portuguese after their 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle on October 6.

He has avoided a touchline ban after the charge was found "not proven", although it is understood that the FA is considering an appeal.

However, Mourinho said that the reason United went to such lengths to contest the charge, putting forward detailed linguistic analysis and citing precedents of other football figures swearing during matches, was because he was convinced of his innocence.

"You know the reason why I ask the club and lawyers to appeal was because I was 100 percent sure that I was not guilty of these charges but you never know how it ends," he said.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can still secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, saying an unkind fixture list is partly to blame for their early season struggles. United are languishing in eighth place in the table, five points from a Champions League qualification position, as they prepare to visit Bournemouth on Saturday. But the manager believes his team have been hindered by a series of difficult back-to-back away fixtures, citing the fact they must travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on November 11, four days after a Champions League trip to Juventus, and that they visit Liverpool in December after a European away game against Valencia. He did not mention that United have also had back-to-back home games three times across all competitions already this season and have only played two of the current top six in their opening 10 league games. Mourinho, in his pre-match press conference, said he believed the picture at Old Trafford would be rosier at the beginning of the New Year. "I always say that in the end of the season you play 19 matches at home and away and it doesn't matter when but the reality is that the way the fixtures are coming, sometimes they have an influence in the moment. "We had a double fixture away in September (at Burnley and Watford). Now we have a double away league fixture at Bournemouth and Manchester City. "We will have Juventus away before we go to Manchester City, and we will have Valencia away before Liverpool. "In this part of the season, we play away against possibly the three biggest candidates for the title, in Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, so the calendar was not nice to us. "But I think by the end of December, which is the end of the first half of the Premier League season, we are not going to be in the position we are now. We will be in a better position." Title challenge? Mourinho has refused to rule out a challenge for the title but says the first priority must be to climb into the top four. "When you are outside the top four I don't think you should speak about the title," he said. "When you are in the top four, which I believe we are going to be, you can look up, see the distance, look to the fixtures, to the calendar." He declined to reveal whether striker Romelu Lukaku would be recalled at Bournemouth, having been dropped after going eight games without scoring. The manager also said he was "100 percent not guilty" of using foul language after being cleared by an independent panel of a Football Association charge. Mourinho was accused of improper conduct for remarks he allegedly made in Portuguese after their 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle on October 6. He has avoided a touchline ban after the charge was found "not proven", although it is understood that the FA is considering an appeal. However, Mourinho said that the reason United went to such lengths to contest the charge, putting forward detailed linguistic analysis and citing precedents of other football figures swearing during matches, was because he was convinced of his innocence. "You know the reason why I ask the club and lawyers to appeal was because I was 100 percent sure that I was not guilty of these charges but you never know how it ends," he said.

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United can reach Premier League top four

Goals in each half from Frenchmen Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial gave Manchester United a 2-1 home victory over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The win, a welcome boost after United's midweek Champions League loss to Juventus, moved Jose Mourinho's side above Everton into eighth place although they are still nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

United grabbed the lead in the 27th minute when referee Jonathan Moss ruled that Idrissa Gueye had brought down Martial in the box, although replays showed the Senegalese midfielder had fairly played the ball.

Pogba took his trademark slow run-up and his spot-kick was superbly saved by Jordan Pickford but the ball fell kindly to the Frenchman who slotted home the rebound.

Four minutes after halftime United doubled their advantage when Pogba resisted the temptation to shoot from the edge of the box and rolled the ball to the left for Martial who beat Pickford with a superb low curling shot into the far corner.

However, Pogba was then at fault, giving the ball away in midfield as Everton got back in the game with a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty in the 77th. Richarlison was brought down in the box by Chris Smalling after Sigurdsson's through ball from Pogba's error.

Goals in each half from Frenchmen Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial gave Manchester United a 2-1 home victory over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. The win, a welcome boost after United's midweek Champions League loss to Juventus, moved Jose Mourinho's side above Everton into eighth place although they are still nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Goals in each half from Frenchmen Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial gave Manchester United a 2-1 home victory over Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. The win, a welcome boost after United's midweek Champions League loss to Juventus, moved Jose Mourinho's side above Everton into eighth place although they are still nine points behind leaders Liverpool. United grabbed the lead in the 27th minute when referee Jonathan Moss ruled that Idrissa Gueye had brought down Martial in the box, although replays showed the Senegalese midfielder had fairly played the ball. Pogba took his trademark slow run-up and his spot-kick was superbly saved by Jordan Pickford but the ball fell kindly to the Frenchman who slotted home the rebound. Four minutes after halftime United doubled their advantage when Pogba resisted the temptation to shoot from the edge of the box and rolled the ball to the left for Martial who beat Pickford with a superb low curling shot into the far corner. However, Pogba was then at fault, giving the ball away in midfield as Everton got back in the game with a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty in the 77th. Richarlison was brought down in the box by Chris Smalling after Sigurdsson's through ball from Pogba's error.

Paul Pogba's penalty earns Manchester United win over Everton

Leicester City soccer club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai tycoon, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thai-owner-of-leicester-city-was-killed-in-helicopter-crash-174067">was killed along with four others</a> when his helicopter crashed and then exploded after a Premier League match on Saturday.

"It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement.

The statement further added that the club's thoughts were with "the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all those on-board at this time of unspeakable loss".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/jamie-vardy-leads-leicester-tributes-to-legend-vichai-174141">Jamie Vardy leads Leicester tributes to 'legend' Vichai</a>

A book of condolence will be opened at the stadium from Tuesday and the team has postponed its upcoming League Cup fixture against Southampton.

Previously, the match between Leicester City Women and Manchester United Women has also been postponed.

The Foxes also confirmed their reserves league match against Derby County has been postponed.

Leicester City Women wrote on Twitter: “In light and in respect of the recent events at King Power Stadium our @FAWC_ fixture against @ManUtdWomen has been postponed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our Reserves league match against Derby County Ladies has also been postponed. 
 
If you purchased a ticket online for the Manchester United match, you will shortly receive an email with your next steps.
— Leicester City Women (@LCWFC_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCWFC_official/status/1056455535384502272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"A newly arranged date will be communicated once confirmed."

"Our Reserves league match against Derby County Ladies has also been postponed."

Also,&nbsp;Crystal Palace hosted Arsenal at Selhurst Park with players wearing black armbands to pay tribute to any victims of the crash while Burnley hosted Chelsea at Turf Moor where a minute's silence was accompanied by a military band's tribute to remembrance day.

Leicester City soccer club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai tycoon, was killed along with four others when his helicopter crashed and then exploded after a Premier League match on Saturday.

Leicester City soccer club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai tycoon, was killed along with four others when his helicopter crashed and then exploded after a Premier League match on Saturday. "It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium," the club said in a statement. The statement further added that the club's thoughts were with "the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all those on-board at this time of unspeakable loss". Jamie Vardy leads Leicester tributes to 'legend' Vichai A book of condolence will be opened at the stadium from Tuesday and the team has postponed its upcoming League Cup fixture against Southampton. Previously, the match between Leicester City Women and Manchester United Women has also been postponed. The Foxes also confirmed their reserves league match against Derby County has been postponed. Leicester City Women wrote on Twitter: “In light and in respect of the recent events at King Power Stadium our @FAWC_ fixture against @ManUtdWomen has been postponed. Our Reserves league match against Derby County Ladies has also been postponed. If you purchased a ticket online for the Manchester United match, you will shortly receive an email with your next steps. — Leicester City Women (@LCWFC_official) October 28, 2018 × "A newly arranged date will be communicated once confirmed." "Our Reserves league match against Derby County Ladies has also been postponed." Also, Crystal Palace hosted Arsenal at Selhurst Park with players wearing black armbands to pay tribute to any victims of the crash while Burnley hosted Chelsea at Turf Moor where a minute's silence was accompanied by a military band's tribute to remembrance day.

Leicester City matches postponed after helicopter crash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has mastered the art of the "double-edged compliment" and his praise for Juventus, after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by the Italians, will have made uncomfortable listening for executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

United were outclassed by the Serie A giants and Mourinho made no effort to sugar-coat that reality, but his comments were a thinly-veiled critique of the club's direction.

"Juventus is champions for seven years, I think seven years in a row, two Champions League finals in the last four or five years and not happy with what they have, they want more, they want more," the former Inter Milan coach told reporters.

"They want more. They had (Gonzalo) Higuain and (Paulo) Dybala, they want more. They go for Ronaldo. They go for the best players in the world. Big club with a big past, with a big desire to have a big future," he said.

Mourinho conceded his team was "a bit" behind the level of Juventus and the elite.

"To go to the Juventus level? Barcelona level? Real Madrid level? How can you reach that level? Manchester City level? How can you reach this level?" he pondered.

Mourinho spent much of the pre-season criticising what he views as the club's lack of investment in the transfer market despite spending close to 400 million pounds ($519.32 million)since he arrived at Old Trafford in 2016.

Asked if United needed investment to reach the level of those clubs Mourinho replied bluntly "Yes".

The Portuguese's biggest frustration was the failure to bring in a major reinforcement in the centre of defence and it was perhaps no coincidence that he highlighted Juve's two centre-halves, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci for particular praise.

"Mr. Bonucci and Mr. Chiellini could go to Harvard University and give classes on how to be a central defender," he said.

Mourinho admitted when the draw was made he thought United would be battling with Valencia for runners-up spot behind Juve.

"We knew it would be a fight with Valencia for second position," the Portuguese, whose side are now five points behind Juventus but two ahead of Valencia in Group H, said.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho was satisfied with his side's performance.

"We played against one of the biggest candidates to win the Champions League and we did the possible to get a different result, especially because the way we played in the second half," he said.

"Juventus managed to hide the ball from us and frustrated our intention to be positive. The second half we were more aggressive and that's a big effort by the boys. We didn't really have attacking options on the bench to try."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has mastered the art of the "double-edged compliment" and his praise for Juventus, after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by the Italians, will have made uncomfortable listening for executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has mastered the art of the "double-edged compliment" and his praise for Juventus, after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by the Italians, will have made uncomfortable listening for executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. United were outclassed by the Serie A giants and Mourinho made no effort to sugar-coat that reality, but his comments were a thinly-veiled critique of the club's direction. "Juventus is champions for seven years, I think seven years in a row, two Champions League finals in the last four or five years and not happy with what they have, they want more, they want more," the former Inter Milan coach told reporters. "They want more. They had (Gonzalo) Higuain and (Paulo) Dybala, they want more. They go for Ronaldo. They go for the best players in the world. Big club with a big past, with a big desire to have a big future," he said. Mourinho conceded his team was "a bit" behind the level of Juventus and the elite. "To go to the Juventus level? Barcelona level? Real Madrid level? How can you reach that level? Manchester City level? How can you reach this level?" he pondered. Mourinho spent much of the pre-season criticising what he views as the club's lack of investment in the transfer market despite spending close to 400 million pounds ($519.32 million)since he arrived at Old Trafford in 2016. Asked if United needed investment to reach the level of those clubs Mourinho replied bluntly "Yes". The Portuguese's biggest frustration was the failure to bring in a major reinforcement in the centre of defence and it was perhaps no coincidence that he highlighted Juve's two centre-halves, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci for particular praise. "Mr. Bonucci and Mr. Chiellini could go to Harvard University and give classes on how to be a central defender," he said. Mourinho admitted when the draw was made he thought United would be battling with Valencia for runners-up spot behind Juve. "We knew it would be a fight with Valencia for second position," the Portuguese, whose side are now five points behind Juventus but two ahead of Valencia in Group H, said. Despite the defeat, Mourinho was satisfied with his side's performance. "We played against one of the biggest candidates to win the Champions League and we did the possible to get a different result, especially because the way we played in the second half," he said. "Juventus managed to hide the ball from us and frustrated our intention to be positive. The second half we were more aggressive and that's a big effort by the boys. We didn't really have attacking options on the bench to try."

Jose Mourinho's praise of Juventus contains sting for Man United

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite.

Paulo Dybala's 17th minute goal, a simple conversion after a low cross from the right by former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo, won the game but the dominant Italian champions could have won by a much more convincing margin.

United needed their Spanish keeper David de Gea to be in top form as he made a series of good saves, including an excellent effort to keep out a second-half strike from Ronaldo.

If United fans can see little hope of their side catching up the top trio in the Premier League they will also know after this game that there is precious chance of them doing better in continental action.

With four points leaving them second in their group, ahead of Valencia and Young Boys, United may still progress to the knockout stages but the gulf between them and a team equipped to reach the latter stages was all too evident.

United were unchanged from the team that drew at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday but the visitors very quickly demonstrated that they had no fear of the task in front of them.

Perhaps United's players would have been better joining their manager Jose Mourinho on the ten-minute walk from the team's hotel to the stadium than sitting in traffic for an hour on the team bus because they made a woefully slow start.

Right from the outset, Massimiliano Allegri's side were sharper, faster, more precise and showed more purpose than Mourinho's men, who struggled to even match the tempo of the Italian champions.

The most disconcerted Juve looked in the early exchanges was when a fan invaded the pitch only to be apprehended by security before he could reach his apparent target, Ronaldo.

It was no surprise at all when, in the 17th minute, Juve took the lead.

Ronaldo broke down the right and put in a low cross towards the near post which Chris Smalling and Juan Cuadrado challenged for before the ball fell kindly to Dybala, who converted with ease.

Juve sensed the fear in their opponents and looked for a quick second as Joao Cancelo burst unchallenged into the area and then tested United De Gea with a fierce drive.

It was a busy opening half for the Spanish keeper -- Ronaldo struck a swerving free-kick straight at De Gea, who then did well to keep out the follow-up effort from Blaise Matuidi.

The halftime statistics showed a remarkable dominance for a visiting side at Old Trafford with Juve enjoying 67 per cent of possession and double the amount of passes.

Ronaldo, operating in a free role, roaming wide when he felt it would be fruitful, brought another fine save from De Gea seven minutes after the interval with a thundering shot after being set up by Cuadrado.

United's effort could not be faulted, however much guile and penetration they lacked, and they could have drawn level in the 75th minute when Paul Pogba, facing his former club, struck the post with a left foot shot from outside the box.

At the final whistle, another fan tried to greet Ronaldo and came up against security officers but the Portuguese insisted on taking a photograph with the interloper and left the field to the applause of both sets of fans.

Once again, United fans were left with a reminder of their glorious past in the shape of their old boy Ronaldo. It was their only consolation after a game in which their current weaknesses were so comprehensively exposed.

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite.

An impressive Juventus beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday to take command of Champions League Group H with a maximum nine points from three games and demonstrate just how far Jose Mourinho's side are from Europe's elite. Paulo Dybala's 17th minute goal, a simple conversion after a low cross from the right by former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo, won the game but the dominant Italian champions could have won by a much more convincing margin. United needed their Spanish keeper David de Gea to be in top form as he made a series of good saves, including an excellent effort to keep out a second-half strike from Ronaldo. If United fans can see little hope of their side catching up the top trio in the Premier League they will also know after this game that there is precious chance of them doing better in continental action. With four points leaving them second in their group, ahead of Valencia and Young Boys, United may still progress to the knockout stages but the gulf between them and a team equipped to reach the latter stages was all too evident. United were unchanged from the team that drew at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday but the visitors very quickly demonstrated that they had no fear of the task in front of them. Perhaps United's players would have been better joining their manager Jose Mourinho on the ten-minute walk from the team's hotel to the stadium than sitting in traffic for an hour on the team bus because they made a woefully slow start. Right from the outset, Massimiliano Allegri's side were sharper, faster, more precise and showed more purpose than Mourinho's men, who struggled to even match the tempo of the Italian champions. The most disconcerted Juve looked in the early exchanges was when a fan invaded the pitch only to be apprehended by security before he could reach his apparent target, Ronaldo. It was no surprise at all when, in the 17th minute, Juve took the lead. Ronaldo broke down the right and put in a low cross towards the near post which Chris Smalling and Juan Cuadrado challenged for before the ball fell kindly to Dybala, who converted with ease. Juve sensed the fear in their opponents and looked for a quick second as Joao Cancelo burst unchallenged into the area and then tested United De Gea with a fierce drive. It was a busy opening half for the Spanish keeper -- Ronaldo struck a swerving free-kick straight at De Gea, who then did well to keep out the follow-up effort from Blaise Matuidi. The halftime statistics showed a remarkable dominance for a visiting side at Old Trafford with Juve enjoying 67 per cent of possession and double the amount of passes. Ronaldo, operating in a free role, roaming wide when he felt it would be fruitful, brought another fine save from De Gea seven minutes after the interval with a thundering shot after being set up by Cuadrado. United's effort could not be faulted, however much guile and penetration they lacked, and they could have drawn level in the 75th minute when Paul Pogba, facing his former club, struck the post with a left foot shot from outside the box. At the final whistle, another fan tried to greet Ronaldo and came up against security officers but the Portuguese insisted on taking a photograph with the interloper and left the field to the applause of both sets of fans. Once again, United fans were left with a reminder of their glorious past in the shape of their old boy Ronaldo. It was their only consolation after a game in which their current weaknesses were so comprehensively exposed.

Champions League: Ronaldo's Juventus beat Manchester United

Juventus forward Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;is ready for an emotional return to his former club Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday but believes the Italian side can win by executing their gameplan.

Ronaldo&nbsp;is back at Old Trafford for the first time since 2013 when his goal for Real Madrid sent the Spaniards through to the Champions League quarter-finals at United's expense.

"Emotional? I can remember what it was like when I was at Manchester," the Portuguese told a news conference on Monday.

"I won lots of trophies here. I remember the support as well, the support was fantastic."

Ronaldo&nbsp;lifted three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups plus the first of his five Champions League crowns during six years at United and expects a tough game against Jose Mourinho's team despite their recent struggles.

United are 10th in the Premier League after a sluggish start to the season and second in Champions League Group H, two points behind Juve after a win and a draw in their first two matches.

"It will be a difficult game. Manchester have a good team, they play at home,"&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;said. "It will be tough for us, but we have our weapons. We have a chance, I know if we play the way the coach wants, we have a good chance to win the game."

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, whose team are four points clear atop Serie A after eight wins and a draw, said they would have to match United's physicality and revealed he would play with a back four to give the side more stability.

"It will be a physical game, we will have to approach it with great concentration, manage the ball and set up well on a technical level to avoid one of the greatest dangers that they can bring us, namely high balls," Allegri said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sd4EA1p3SmM" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Italians will be without their Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic due to an ankle injury, while their German midfielder Emre Can will miss the match because of a thyroid problem.

"I'm sorry there's no Mandzukic, though it is not anything serious with him. I'd already thought about playing with others in attack," Allegri added. "We'll probably play with a back four because in midfield we'll have to numerically match them."

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for an emotional return to his former club Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday but believes the Italian side can win by executing their gameplan.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo is ready for an emotional return to his former club Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday but believes the Italian side can win by executing their gameplan. Ronaldo is back at Old Trafford for the first time since 2013 when his goal for Real Madrid sent the Spaniards through to the Champions League quarter-finals at United's expense. "Emotional? I can remember what it was like when I was at Manchester," the Portuguese told a news conference on Monday. "I won lots of trophies here. I remember the support as well, the support was fantastic." Ronaldo lifted three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups plus the first of his five Champions League crowns during six years at United and expects a tough game against Jose Mourinho's team despite their recent struggles. United are 10th in the Premier League after a sluggish start to the season and second in Champions League Group H, two points behind Juve after a win and a draw in their first two matches. "It will be a difficult game. Manchester have a good team, they play at home," Ronaldo said. "It will be tough for us, but we have our weapons. We have a chance, I know if we play the way the coach wants, we have a good chance to win the game." Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, whose team are four points clear atop Serie A after eight wins and a draw, said they would have to match United's physicality and revealed he would play with a back four to give the side more stability. "It will be a physical game, we will have to approach it with great concentration, manage the ball and set up well on a technical level to avoid one of the greatest dangers that they can bring us, namely high balls," Allegri said. × The Italians will be without their Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic due to an ankle injury, while their German midfielder Emre Can will miss the match because of a thyroid problem. "I'm sorry there's no Mandzukic, though it is not anything serious with him. I'd already thought about playing with others in attack," Allegri added. "We'll probably play with a back four because in midfield we'll have to numerically match them."

Cristiano Ronaldo prepared for emotional return to Old Trafford

Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday.

Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious&nbsp;allegations were&nbsp;levelled against him.

A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in&nbsp;a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State,&nbsp;alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite.

Mayorga is a former US-based model.

While&nbsp;Cristiano&nbsp;had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-denies-rape-accusations-tweet-169258">denied the allegations</a> via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation.

"I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday,&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on&nbsp;Mayorga claims.

He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me."

Another reporter asked&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?"

Ronaldo&nbsp;replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to former club Manchester United as Juventus travel to Old Trafford, England, UK for a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday. Recently, Ronaldo has been dealing with several off-field distractions after some serious allegations were levelled against him. A woman named Kathryn Mayorga sued him in a district court in Clark County, Nevada in the United State, alleging he raped her in 2009 in a Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite. Mayorga is a former US-based model. While Cristiano had denied the allegations via tweet, saying his conscience was clear and that he would calmly await the results of any investigation. "I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," he wrote in a tweet. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Ronaldo paid tribute to his family as he spoke to reporters for the first time on Mayorga claims. He said, "I know that I'm an example. I know 100 percent. In the pitch and outside the pitch. So I'm all smiles. I'm a happy man. I'm blessed to play at a fantastic club. I have a fantastic family. I have four kids, I am healthy, I have everything. The rest doesn't interfere with me." Another reporter asked Ronaldo directly about his thoughts on Mayorga, "Well you've never spoken about this, but what are your thoughts about Kathryn Mayorga?" Ronaldo replied: "I'm very happy. My lawyers they are confident and of course I am too. The most important is that I enjoy football, I enjoy my life. The rest I have people who take care of my life."

Watch: I won't lie, I'm a happy man, says Ronaldo on Kathryn Mayorga

Ronaldo a 'happy man' ahead of Old Trafford return despite off-field distractions

Mourinho's fight and Salah's strike summarise Premier League weekend action

David Beckham and ex-Spice Girl Victoria have been married for nearly 20 years and the football and fashion icon admits it has been "hard work" to make it a success.

The pair, who have four children, tied the knot in 1999 and have lived their married life in the public glare.

The former Manchester United star, in Sydney as an ambassador for the Invictus Games for disabled and wounded soldiers, said it was not always easy as he opened up about his private life in an interview with Australian television.

"You know your children - they want your time and they deserve your time, and we are hardworking, and we feel that that is the right way to bring up our children to prove and to show to them that actually, you have to work hard to be successful," he said while speaking to an Australian commercial television network on Sunday.

"To have been married for the amount of time that we have, it's always hard work, everybody knows that, but you make it work, you make difficult situations like travelling away, being away from each other, you make it work."

Now a UNICEF ambassador and owner of an American Major League soccer team, the 43-year-old and his fashion designer wife - who launched her VB label in 2008 in New York - have been fodder for the tabloid press since they met.

But he has learned to live with the constant attention and speculation about their relationship.

"I've grown to kind of ignore some of the negative stuff that's said," he said.

"I think if you know each other, if you know you've got great friends, great family behind you, the thing we have to do is protect our children."

Beckham is close friends with Prince Harry and attended his wedding to the now pregnant Meghan Markle this year.

He said he was a massive fan of the royals and had huge respect for the Duke of Sussex, who conceived the Invictus Games as a way to inspire recovery and rehabilitation from war-time injuries through sport.

"With Harry to have come up with something that changes people's lives is incredible," he said.&nbsp;

"Sport is such a powerful tool to give them&nbsp;the opportunity to get over the injuries and the hard times they have been through."

The Invictus Games, featuring more than 500 competitors from 18 nations, run in Sydney until next weekend.

David Beckham and ex-Spice Girl Victoria have been married for nearly 20 years and the football and fashion icon admits it has been "hard work" to make it a success.

David Beckham and ex-Spice Girl Victoria have been married for nearly 20 years and the football and fashion icon admits it has been "hard work" to make it a success. The pair, who have four children, tied the knot in 1999 and have lived their married life in the public glare. The former Manchester United star, in Sydney as an ambassador for the Invictus Games for disabled and wounded soldiers, said it was not always easy as he opened up about his private life in an interview with Australian television. "You know your children - they want your time and they deserve your time, and we are hardworking, and we feel that that is the right way to bring up our children to prove and to show to them that actually, you have to work hard to be successful," he said while speaking to an Australian commercial television network on Sunday. "To have been married for the amount of time that we have, it's always hard work, everybody knows that, but you make it work, you make difficult situations like travelling away, being away from each other, you make it work." Now a UNICEF ambassador and owner of an American Major League soccer team, the 43-year-old and his fashion designer wife - who launched her VB label in 2008 in New York - have been fodder for the tabloid press since they met. But he has learned to live with the constant attention and speculation about their relationship. "I've grown to kind of ignore some of the negative stuff that's said," he said. "I think if you know each other, if you know you've got great friends, great family behind you, the thing we have to do is protect our children." Beckham is close friends with Prince Harry and attended his wedding to the now pregnant Meghan Markle this year. He said he was a massive fan of the royals and had huge respect for the Duke of Sussex, who conceived the Invictus Games as a way to inspire recovery and rehabilitation from war-time injuries through sport. "With Harry to have come up with something that changes people's lives is incredible," he said. "Sport is such a powerful tool to give them the opportunity to get over the injuries and the hard times they have been through." The Invictus Games, featuring more than 500 competitors from 18 nations, run in Sydney until next weekend.

David Beckham opens up about his married life

Juventus’ perfect start to the season came to an end in Turin on Saturday as Genoa earned a 1-1 Serie A draw on Ivan Juric’s return as coach.

The Croatian boss replaced Davide Ballardini before the international break for his third spell in charge of Genoa and he made an immediate impact as the Italian champions failed to record a victory for the first time in nine league games this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Juventus a deserved lead in a dominant first half, but sloppy defending from the hosts allowed Daniel Bessa to draw Genoa level after the break and end Juve's winning streak at ten matches in all competitions.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri blamed his players for being sidetracked by their Champions League trip to Manchester United on Tuesday.

“It’s simple,” he told reporters. “Genoa did well not toexpose themselves, but these things shouldn’t happen. We played for 10 minutes and then started thinking about Manchester.

“We went from being frenetic to falling asleep and vice-versa. We should have had our mind on the job. "I think it’ll be a good lesson for us, as this is a wake-up call, so everyone can remember that nothing is to be taken for granted. Every match has to be won on the pitch in 90 minutes. Nothing is guaranteed or won before we’ve stepped on to the pitch.

“It’ll be very different with Manchester United, as we will both be playing to win. Genoa did well today to play in defence and try to stay in the game, but I have to say this was the biggest example of drifting out of the game that I’ve seen in my five years at Juventus.”

Ronaldo had come close to opening the scoring after just 14 minutes when he powered a header onto the post from a Juan Cuadrado cross.

The Portuguese opened his account just five minutes later, tapping in from close range after Genoa failed to clear their lines when Joao Cancelo’s shot took an awkward deflection inside the box.

The atmosphere at the Allianz Arena was dampened after racist chants during Juve’s last home league game against Napoli resulted in a closure of the ‘Curva Sud’ section of the stadium. The Italian champions, though, were allowed to fill the seats with local school children.

Krzysztof Piatek, who leads the Serie A scoring charts with nine goals, tested Wojciech Szczesny from range before flashing a header wide as the visitors improved after the break and Juric’s side drew level when Daniel Bessa headed home from close range on 68 minutes after the Juve defence switched off.

There were further chances for Ronaldo, Miralem Pjanic and substitute Paulo Dybala but Juric’s players stood firm to earn an unexpected point.

Earlier, Roma suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to SPAL courtesy of an Andrea Petagna penalty and a Kevin Bonifazi header either side of the break. The result leaves the capital club in sixth place before Sunday’s games, 11 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Juventus’ perfect start to the season came to an end in Turin on Saturday as Genoa earned a 1-1 Serie A draw on Ivan Juric’s return as coach. The Croatian boss replaced Davide Ballardini before the international break for his third spell in charge of Genoa and he made an immediate impact as the Italian champions failed to record a victory for the first time in nine league games this season.

Juventus’ perfect start to the season came to an end in Turin on Saturday as Genoa earned a 1-1 Serie A draw on Ivan Juric’s return as coach. The Croatian boss replaced Davide Ballardini before the international break for his third spell in charge of Genoa and he made an immediate impact as the Italian champions failed to record a victory for the first time in nine league games this season. Cristiano Ronaldo gave Juventus a deserved lead in a dominant first half, but sloppy defending from the hosts allowed Daniel Bessa to draw Genoa level after the break and end Juve's winning streak at ten matches in all competitions. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri blamed his players for being sidetracked by their Champions League trip to Manchester United on Tuesday. “It’s simple,” he told reporters. “Genoa did well not toexpose themselves, but these things shouldn’t happen. We played for 10 minutes and then started thinking about Manchester. “We went from being frenetic to falling asleep and vice-versa. We should have had our mind on the job. "I think it’ll be a good lesson for us, as this is a wake-up call, so everyone can remember that nothing is to be taken for granted. Every match has to be won on the pitch in 90 minutes. Nothing is guaranteed or won before we’ve stepped on to the pitch. “It’ll be very different with Manchester United, as we will both be playing to win. Genoa did well today to play in defence and try to stay in the game, but I have to say this was the biggest example of drifting out of the game that I’ve seen in my five years at Juventus.” Ronaldo had come close to opening the scoring after just 14 minutes when he powered a header onto the post from a Juan Cuadrado cross. The Portuguese opened his account just five minutes later, tapping in from close range after Genoa failed to clear their lines when Joao Cancelo’s shot took an awkward deflection inside the box. The atmosphere at the Allianz Arena was dampened after racist chants during Juve’s last home league game against Napoli resulted in a closure of the ‘Curva Sud’ section of the stadium. The Italian champions, though, were allowed to fill the seats with local school children. Krzysztof Piatek, who leads the Serie A scoring charts with nine goals, tested Wojciech Szczesny from range before flashing a header wide as the visitors improved after the break and Juric’s side drew level when Daniel Bessa headed home from close range on 68 minutes after the Juve defence switched off. There were further chances for Ronaldo, Miralem Pjanic and substitute Paulo Dybala but Juric’s players stood firm to earn an unexpected point. Earlier, Roma suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to SPAL courtesy of an Andrea Petagna penalty and a Kevin Bonifazi header either side of the break. The result leaves the capital club in sixth place before Sunday’s games, 11 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Juventus 'thinking about Man Utd' as perfect Serie A run ends

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was involved in a fracas&nbsp;at the touchline after Chelsea's star&nbsp;Ross Barkley&nbsp;scored an&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-infuriated-as-chelsea-salvage-unbeaten-record-172518">96th-minute equaliser</a>&nbsp;to draw the game&nbsp;on Saturday.

Manchester United was on the verge winning but an injury time-goal by Barkley helped Chelsea to maintain unbeaten Premier League start at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho took exception to the celebrations of one of Chelsea's backroom staff, Marco Ianni, who ran in front of the Portuguese on the touchline, as he seemed set for a sweet victory over his old club.

ManU boss said that Chelsea's technical assistant Ianni was "very impolite" after celebrating in front of him.

Here is the video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jose Mourinho triggered <a href="https://t.co/ok2fSiaDhq">pic.twitter.com/ok2fSiaDhq</a>
— St Woolwich Day (@StWoolwichDay) <a href="https://twitter.com/StWoolwichDay/status/1053638645847154688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I am not annoyed with anything. What happened with (Maurizio) Sarri's assistant, Sarri was the first one to come to me and say he will resolve it.

"The assistant has already come to me and apologised, I told him to forget it. I have made a lot of mistakes in my career."

Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea, said United were the better side.

Sarri said his side lost out to United in the physical battle as the game wore on.

"I am disappointed with the last 30 minutes," he told the BBC. "We could win but at the end one point is enough.

"We were not organised for the long ball, we usually play with short passes so we were not organised for this in the last half hour. This is not our football. I prefer to play our football for 90 minutes.

"I didn't see what happened but I have spoken to Jose Mourinho. I understood that we were in the wrong side of the situation. I have spoken to a member of my staff and have dealt with this immediately."

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was involved in a fracas at the touchline after Chelsea's star Ross Barkley scored an 96th-minute equaliser to draw the game on Saturday.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was involved in a fracas at the touchline after Chelsea's star Ross Barkley scored an 96th-minute equaliser to draw the game on Saturday. Manchester United was on the verge winning but an injury time-goal by Barkley helped Chelsea to maintain unbeaten Premier League start at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho took exception to the celebrations of one of Chelsea's backroom staff, Marco Ianni, who ran in front of the Portuguese on the touchline, as he seemed set for a sweet victory over his old club. ManU boss said that Chelsea's technical assistant Ianni was "very impolite" after celebrating in front of him. Here is the video: Jose Mourinho triggered pic.twitter.com/ok2fSiaDhq — St Woolwich Day (@StWoolwichDay) October 20, 2018 × "I am not annoyed with anything. What happened with (Maurizio) Sarri's assistant, Sarri was the first one to come to me and say he will resolve it. "The assistant has already come to me and apologised, I told him to forget it. I have made a lot of mistakes in my career." Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles in two spells at Chelsea, said United were the better side. Sarri said his side lost out to United in the physical battle as the game wore on. "I am disappointed with the last 30 minutes," he told the BBC. "We could win but at the end one point is enough. "We were not organised for the long ball, we usually play with short passes so we were not organised for this in the last half hour. This is not our football. I prefer to play our football for 90 minutes. "I didn't see what happened but I have spoken to Jose Mourinho. I understood that we were in the wrong side of the situation. I have spoken to a member of my staff and have dealt with this immediately."

Watch: Jose Mourinho involves in touchline fight after Chelsea draw

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had to be restrained by stewards in the aftermath of Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser to salvage Chelsea's unbeaten record under Maurizio Sarri in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho took exception to the celebrations of one of Sarri's backroom staff, Marco Ianni, who ran in front of the Portuguese on the touchline, as he seemed set for a sweet victory over his old club after Anthony Martial scored twice to cancel out Antonio Rudiger's opener.

Players and coaches from both benches had to separated in a melee after Barkley's late strike.

Mourinho also then gestured with three fingers towards the Chelsea fans in reference to the three Premier League titles he won for the club in two spells in charge.

A draw is more than Mourinho got on his three previous returns to Stamford Bridge as United boss. But his frustration at blowing what could have been a huge win was obvious as the visitors remain seven points adrift of Chelsea, and could fall nine points behind Manchester City and Liverpool should they win their respective fixtures later Saturday.

Amid reports he was set to face the axe, Mourinho had been handed a lifeline by a stirring fightback from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle 3-2 before the international break a fortnight ago.

Martial was rewarded for coming off the bench to score in that game as rather than opt for his cautious nature, Mourinho named an adventurous line-up also featuring Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.

And his gamble looked set to pay off despite falling behind to a Chelsea side now unbeaten in their first 12 games under Sarri.

Lukaku had the first significant chance of the game when he headed Luke Shaw's fine cross high and wide.

At the other end, United attempted to stop the outstanding player of the Premier League season so far with some rough treatment as Nemanja Matic and Ashley Young were shown early yellow cards for chopping down Eden Hazard.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEMUN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEMUN</a> (95:27) <a href="https://t.co/iizv7Az2QR">pic.twitter.com/iizv7Az2QR</a>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1053642266953375745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, when Shaw cut out a dangerous low cross from the Belgian on 21 minutes, the visitors were undone by a lack of concentration from Paul Pogba.

Rudiger easily peeled away from the Frenchman to plant a powerful header past the helpless David de Gea.

That was the fourth time United have conceded from a corner in the league this season, having also done so in defeats to Brighton, Tottenham and West Ham.

It wasn't so costly this time as Chelsea paid for a lack of killer instinct despite dominating possession for the rest of the first-half.

Marcos Alonso miscontrolled when Rudiger's through ball put him clean through on De Gea before Alvaro Morata wasted his only big chance of another disappointing afternoon when his shot on the turn was too weak to beat his Spanish international team-mate in the United goal.

Martial had been largely anonymous before the break, but, in contrast to Morata, took his chances when they came in the second period.

Kepa Arrizabalaga parried Mata's initial effort, but with Alonso down injured in the Chelsea box, Martial had time to control Ashley Young's driven cross back into the area before firing home to equalise.

Martial again provided the final flourish with a brilliant curled effort into the far corner 17 minutes from time after fine work in the build-up by Mata and Rashford.

The Frenchman&nbsp;was greeted with a bear hug from Mourinho when he was replaced six minutes from time.

But United couldn't hold out for an extra six minutes stoppage time as Barkley pounced after De Gea had produced another miraculous save from Rudiger before carnage broke loose on the touchline.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had to be restrained by stewards in the aftermath of Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser to salvage Chelsea's unbeaten record under Maurizio Sarri in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had to be restrained by stewards in the aftermath of Ross Barkley's 96th-minute equaliser to salvage Chelsea's unbeaten record under Maurizio Sarri in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho took exception to the celebrations of one of Sarri's backroom staff, Marco Ianni, who ran in front of the Portuguese on the touchline, as he seemed set for a sweet victory over his old club after Anthony Martial scored twice to cancel out Antonio Rudiger's opener. Players and coaches from both benches had to separated in a melee after Barkley's late strike. Mourinho also then gestured with three fingers towards the Chelsea fans in reference to the three Premier League titles he won for the club in two spells in charge. A draw is more than Mourinho got on his three previous returns to Stamford Bridge as United boss. But his frustration at blowing what could have been a huge win was obvious as the visitors remain seven points adrift of Chelsea, and could fall nine points behind Manchester City and Liverpool should they win their respective fixtures later Saturday. Amid reports he was set to face the axe, Mourinho had been handed a lifeline by a stirring fightback from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle 3-2 before the international break a fortnight ago. Martial was rewarded for coming off the bench to score in that game as rather than opt for his cautious nature, Mourinho named an adventurous line-up also featuring Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku. And his gamble looked set to pay off despite falling behind to a Chelsea side now unbeaten in their first 12 games under Sarri. Lukaku had the first significant chance of the game when he headed Luke Shaw's fine cross high and wide. At the other end, United attempted to stop the outstanding player of the Premier League season so far with some rough treatment as Nemanja Matic and Ashley Young were shown early yellow cards for chopping down Eden Hazard. #CHEMUN (95:27) pic.twitter.com/iizv7Az2QR — Premier League (@premierleague) October 20, 2018 × However, when Shaw cut out a dangerous low cross from the Belgian on 21 minutes, the visitors were undone by a lack of concentration from Paul Pogba. Rudiger easily peeled away from the Frenchman to plant a powerful header past the helpless David de Gea. That was the fourth time United have conceded from a corner in the league this season, having also done so in defeats to Brighton, Tottenham and West Ham. It wasn't so costly this time as Chelsea paid for a lack of killer instinct despite dominating possession for the rest of the first-half. Marcos Alonso miscontrolled when Rudiger's through ball put him clean through on De Gea before Alvaro Morata wasted his only big chance of another disappointing afternoon when his shot on the turn was too weak to beat his Spanish international team-mate in the United goal. Martial had been largely anonymous before the break, but, in contrast to Morata, took his chances when they came in the second period. Kepa Arrizabalaga parried Mata's initial effort, but with Alonso down injured in the Chelsea box, Martial had time to control Ashley Young's driven cross back into the area before firing home to equalise. Martial again provided the final flourish with a brilliant curled effort into the far corner 17 minutes from time after fine work in the build-up by Mata and Rashford. The Frenchman was greeted with a bear hug from Mourinho when he was replaced six minutes from time. But United couldn't hold out for an extra six minutes stoppage time as Barkley pounced after De Gea had produced another miraculous save from Rudiger before carnage broke loose on the touchline.

Jose Mourinho infuriated as Chelsea salvage unbeaten record

Jose&nbsp;Mourinho believes former club Chelsea can win this season’s Premier League title if Eden Hazard maintains his form as the English game's best player.

Ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Manchester United manager pointed to the precedents for Chelsea being crowned champions in seasons when Hazard is at his best.

The Belgian led Chelsea to the title under Mourinho in 2014-15 and with Antonio Conte in charge in 2016-17.

Hazard has started this season in similar form with eight goals in 10 appearances in an unbeaten start for new boss Maurizio Sarri to sit joint top of the Premier League alongside Manchester City and Liverpool - seven points clear of Mourinho's United.

"Very good results, top of the league and, of course, lots of good players but history says that when Eden Hazard is the best player of the Premier League, Chelsea is the champion," said Mourinho on Friday.

"It happened with me and Antonio, and this season, it is still the beginning of course, but he is the best player of the Premier League until now.

"Chelsea is top of the league because he is the kind of player who can make a huge difference."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TjhU2ECCSbo" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hazard and Mourinho didn't end on the best of terms when the Portuguese was sacked from his second spell at Stamford Bridge in December 2015 with Chelsea languishing in 16th and Hazard having failed to score a Premier League goal all season to that point.

However, in a recent interview Hazard spoke of his respect for Mourinho and his desire to play for his former manager again.

Mourinho doesn't believe that will happen, but insists the two had a good relationship.

"I would love to have him in Manchester United but I don’t think Chelsea will sell him to Man United," added Mourinho.

"Chelsea is led by intelligent and experienced people in football and they would never sell Eden to Man United so there’s no point to comment.

"I think he is a nice kid. We had a good relation, we were champions together. He was for the first time the best player in the league with me so I think the feelings are good and when the feelings are good you say nice things, when feelings are not good you don’t say so much nice things."

Few nice things have been said about Mourinho this season, at least by former United players in the media who have led calls for him to be replaced.&nbsp;

Legendary former midfielder Paul Scholes has been most vocal in his criticism of Mourinho and his style of football imposed on the Reds.

A thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle 3-2 two weeks ago provided an example of how exciting the current United team can be when unshackled. But Mourinho again staunchly defended his approach.

"That story of the attacking football I still don’t understand that story because for me you can only play attacking football when you have the ball," he added,

"I want the ball and you can only recover the ball if your opponent loses it or if you provoke a mistake in your opponent. For all that you need to defend.&nbsp;

"When you have the ball, you can play a different way and normally adapted to the qualities of your players. That (style) is what I want."

Jose Mourinho believes former club Chelsea can win this season’s Premier League title if Eden Hazard maintains his form as the English game's best player. Ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Manchester United manager pointed to the precedents for Chelsea being crowned champions in seasons when Hazard is at his best.

Jose Mourinho believes former club Chelsea can win this season’s Premier League title if Eden Hazard maintains his form as the English game's best player. Ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Manchester United manager pointed to the precedents for Chelsea being crowned champions in seasons when Hazard is at his best. The Belgian led Chelsea to the title under Mourinho in 2014-15 and with Antonio Conte in charge in 2016-17. Hazard has started this season in similar form with eight goals in 10 appearances in an unbeaten start for new boss Maurizio Sarri to sit joint top of the Premier League alongside Manchester City and Liverpool - seven points clear of Mourinho's United. "Very good results, top of the league and, of course, lots of good players but history says that when Eden Hazard is the best player of the Premier League, Chelsea is the champion," said Mourinho on Friday. "It happened with me and Antonio, and this season, it is still the beginning of course, but he is the best player of the Premier League until now. "Chelsea is top of the league because he is the kind of player who can make a huge difference." × Hazard and Mourinho didn't end on the best of terms when the Portuguese was sacked from his second spell at Stamford Bridge in December 2015 with Chelsea languishing in 16th and Hazard having failed to score a Premier League goal all season to that point. However, in a recent interview Hazard spoke of his respect for Mourinho and his desire to play for his former manager again. Mourinho doesn't believe that will happen, but insists the two had a good relationship. "I would love to have him in Manchester United but I don’t think Chelsea will sell him to Man United," added Mourinho. "Chelsea is led by intelligent and experienced people in football and they would never sell Eden to Man United so there’s no point to comment. "I think he is a nice kid. We had a good relation, we were champions together. He was for the first time the best player in the league with me so I think the feelings are good and when the feelings are good you say nice things, when feelings are not good you don’t say so much nice things." Few nice things have been said about Mourinho this season, at least by former United players in the media who have led calls for him to be replaced. Legendary former midfielder Paul Scholes has been most vocal in his criticism of Mourinho and his style of football imposed on the Reds. A thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle 3-2 two weeks ago provided an example of how exciting the current United team can be when unshackled. But Mourinho again staunchly defended his approach. "That story of the attacking football I still don’t understand that story because for me you can only play attacking football when you have the ball," he added, "I want the ball and you can only recover the ball if your opponent loses it or if you provoke a mistake in your opponent. For all that you need to defend. "When you have the ball, you can play a different way and normally adapted to the qualities of your players. That (style) is what I want."

Chelsea win the league when Eden Hazard is the best player, says Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's "it's not about me" comment after his team's thrilling comeback win over Newcastle United is unlikely to be heeded on Saturday when he returns to his former club Chelsea.

Mourinho's words, spoken after United fans chanted his name in appreciation of the 3-2 victory, may have reflected a weariness at the constant focus on his position at Old Trafford but the spotlight will unavoidably be on the Portuguese again.

The manner of United's win, with three goals in the final 20 minutes of all-out attacking&nbsp;football, has raised the question of whether he will embrace a more positive style of play.

Nothing in Mourinho's history suggests that is likely and the prospect of facing Maurizio Sarri's in-form team at Stamford Bridge is a strong deterrent against a cavalier approach.

Second-placed Chelsea are unbeaten, level on points with champions Manchester City and challengers Liverpool and with their Belgian forward Eden Hazard in scintillating form they will start as clear favourites.

United are already seven points behind the leading trio having lost to Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United on the road and Tottenham Hotspur at home and Mourinho will be keen to ensure they avoid defeat in west London.

Chelsea have not lost at home to United since October 2012, losing just two of the 16 meetings between the two since then and Mourinho has suffered four defeats in six games against his former club since taking over at United.

But as he reminded the media in his recent demand for more "respect" Mourinho won three Premier League titles in his two spells as Chelsea manager.

The former Porto and Real Madrid boss has never been afraid to play defensively when visiting top rivals and so for all the hope that he might try to replicate the 'gung-ho' second-half display against Newcastle it would be no surprise if he were to revert to type on Saturday.

Manchester City will expect to pick up three points at home to a Burnley side that will feature former City keeper Joe Hart.

City have not lost at home to the Clarets since 1963 and have lost once in their last 19 meetings in all competitions.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will also be expecting maximum points when he faces off with close friend David Wagner as the Reds travel to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Huddersfield are 18th in the table, have yet to win this campaign and have managed to score only four goals.

Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur visit London rivals West Ham on Saturday while in-form Arsenal host Leicester on Monday looking for a 10th successive victory in all competitions.

Sunday's game features Everton at home to Crystal Palace.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's "it's not about me" comment after his team's thrilling comeback win over Newcastle United is unlikely to be heeded on Saturday when he returns to his former club Chelsea.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's "it's not about me" comment after his team's thrilling comeback win over Newcastle United is unlikely to be heeded on Saturday when he returns to his former club Chelsea. Mourinho's words, spoken after United fans chanted his name in appreciation of the 3-2 victory, may have reflected a weariness at the constant focus on his position at Old Trafford but the spotlight will unavoidably be on the Portuguese again. The manner of United's win, with three goals in the final 20 minutes of all-out attacking football, has raised the question of whether he will embrace a more positive style of play. Nothing in Mourinho's history suggests that is likely and the prospect of facing Maurizio Sarri's in-form team at Stamford Bridge is a strong deterrent against a cavalier approach. Second-placed Chelsea are unbeaten, level on points with champions Manchester City and challengers Liverpool and with their Belgian forward Eden Hazard in scintillating form they will start as clear favourites. United are already seven points behind the leading trio having lost to Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United on the road and Tottenham Hotspur at home and Mourinho will be keen to ensure they avoid defeat in west London. Chelsea have not lost at home to United since October 2012, losing just two of the 16 meetings between the two since then and Mourinho has suffered four defeats in six games against his former club since taking over at United. But as he reminded the media in his recent demand for more "respect" Mourinho won three Premier League titles in his two spells as Chelsea manager. The former Porto and Real Madrid boss has never been afraid to play defensively when visiting top rivals and so for all the hope that he might try to replicate the 'gung-ho' second-half display against Newcastle it would be no surprise if he were to revert to type on Saturday. Manchester City will expect to pick up three points at home to a Burnley side that will feature former City keeper Joe Hart. City have not lost at home to the Clarets since 1963 and have lost once in their last 19 meetings in all competitions. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will also be expecting maximum points when he faces off with close friend David Wagner as the Reds travel to Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Huddersfield are 18th in the table, have yet to win this campaign and have managed to score only four goals. Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur visit London rivals West Ham on Saturday while in-form Arsenal host Leicester on Monday looking for a 10th successive victory in all competitions. Sunday's game features Everton at home to Crystal Palace.

Mourinho takes centre stage again as Premier League returns

Jose Mourinho was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday over comments he made after Manchester United's victory against Newcastle and faces a potential touchline ban if found guilty.

The United manager spoke into a camera after his side came from behind to triumph 3-2 at Old Trafford, easing the immediate pressure on him after a string of poor results.

"Jose Mourinho has been charged following Manchester United's game against Newcastle United on October 6, 2018," said an FA spokesman.

"It is alleged that his language at the end of the fixture, as captured by the broadcast footage, was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper. He has until 6:00 pm on October 19, 2018 to respond to the charge."

The match was played in a tense atmosphere, United having denied a report earlier in the day that Mourinho would be sacked that weekend regardless of the result.

United recovered from 2-0 down to complete a dramatic comeback with a last-gasp goal from Alexis Sanchez. The victory ended a run of four games without a win.

Footage shows Mourinho saying something, apparently in Portuguese, while at one point looking into a camera, as he headed towards the tunnel after the final whistle.

He also made a gesture with his right hand while speaking, pointing with his little finger.

The 55-year-old, who said after the match that he was the subject of a media "manhunt", said when asked about the gesture: "It is a finger. Smaller than the others, but it is a finger."

Jose Mourinho was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday over comments he made after Manchester United's victory against Newcastle and faces a potential touchline ban if found guilty.

Jose Mourinho was charged by the Football Association on Tuesday over comments he made after Manchester United's victory against Newcastle and faces a potential touchline ban if found guilty. The United manager spoke into a camera after his side came from behind to triumph 3-2 at Old Trafford, easing the immediate pressure on him after a string of poor results. "Jose Mourinho has been charged following Manchester United's game against Newcastle United on October 6, 2018," said an FA spokesman. "It is alleged that his language at the end of the fixture, as captured by the broadcast footage, was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper. He has until 6:00 pm on October 19, 2018 to respond to the charge." The match was played in a tense atmosphere, United having denied a report earlier in the day that Mourinho would be sacked that weekend regardless of the result. United recovered from 2-0 down to complete a dramatic comeback with a last-gasp goal from Alexis Sanchez. The victory ended a run of four games without a win. Footage shows Mourinho saying something, apparently in Portuguese, while at one point looking into a camera, as he headed towards the tunnel after the final whistle. He also made a gesture with his right hand while speaking, pointing with his little finger. The 55-year-old, who said after the match that he was the subject of a media "manhunt", said when asked about the gesture: "It is a finger. Smaller than the others, but it is a finger."

Jose Mourinho charged by FA over comments following Man United win