Jose Mourinho was happy with his side’s progression to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United had to battle fatigue to ensure they progressed after a 1-1 draw in Russia, but a solitary Juan Mata goal was enough to send the hosts through to the next round
Speaking after the game, United’s manager Jose Mourinho felt that the fact that none of the other teams from the top 6 have European duties would only make things harder for his side as the season progressed.
“ I am very disappointed. I am not making fun of it, I am speaking really and feeling it. It is bad for us for many reasons. It is bad for us because the five teams that are in front of us in the Premier League, none of them have international football.”
“ They will be playing one match per week, like some of them have been doing since the beginning of the season. They don’t know what fatigue is, they don’t know what accumulation is.”
“ They don’t know what it is to go home tonight and don’t speak because of fatigue. Tomorrow is another day for us and we will fight until the limit. That is what we have to do.”
There is no doubt there is an element of logic to Mourinho’s words as besides Chelsea – who are almost certainties to win the title this season – no other team is guaranteed a spot in the top 4 this season.
Every side has looked weak and with the news that Harry Kane is set for a spell on the sidelines for Tottenham – who are currently tied on points in second place with Manchester City – all the teams below them will be looking to take advantage.
Just 7 points separate Manchester United – who are in 6th position – from Tottenham with the Red Devils also having a game in hand over Spurs.
The added pressures of European football will only make things more difficult for United as they fight for a top 4 spot, especially as none of the other teams above them are in European competitions at this stage of the season.
Arsenal were humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League while Manchester City also disappointingly crashed out to Monaco earlier this week.
Liverpool’s brilliant form at the start of the season was also attributed to the fact that they did not have European competition to contend with, but the Reds have since tailed off.
Mourinho will need to ensure he utilises his squad the right way as despite his comments, there is no doubt United will do everything they can to win the Europa League.
