Manchester United needed a win to get in to the top four, again, but somehow found their way to stay clear of it. United have drawn yet another game to remain in the fifth position and now hoping for Liverpool or Manchester City to drop points if they wish to take the fourth spot. United have failed to capitalize on the inconsistent performances from Liverpool and City due to numerous reasons; referring mistakes, unconvincing shot conversion and now injuries.
United have a lot of first team first choice players out injured and the lack of rotation in the middle of the season is surely showing up now. Now with so many players out and so many crucial must win games lined up, United lack all the might that they needed on the field. United started off the game poorly, is an understatement as Swansea dominated not only the possession but also the chances and attacks. United, however, had luck in their favor when they got a penalty which was not one. The result of which, United lead 1-0 at halftime. But as has been the season the Red Devils manage to give away a late goal to lose on two important points which might as well put them out of the top four race in the league.
The manager, however, was not unhappy with his player’s performance but also spoke about the fatigue in this side.
“We lost players and we lost points, so yes today was a bad day. We did not look tired and exhausted, we are tired and exhausted. You cannot isolate the performance out of the context. This is the ninth match of April, it is not human. We have a squad of 22 that is reduced to 13 or 14 players. The players are very tired.”
He also felt that it is difficult to analyze this performance given the context
“The performance? It’s very difficult, it’s very difficult. I cannot isolate the performance to the context, I cannot analyse this game as a game itself, I have to look at the context. And the context is nine matches in April, 810 minutes of football, high levels of fatigue, big match after big match after big match, this time, again Thursday night, derby and Sunday 12 o’clock. It’s very difficult.”
A few of the players looked fresher than others, that doesn’t mean they played any better. But Mourinho was glad that all his players played with their hearts out.
“Did Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young look sharper than other people. Of course, they did not play the last match. I am more than happy with the players, they gave everthing they could. I have zero criticism.”
With regards to the two new injuries, the manager did not have a lot of details but feared that Shaw’s might be worse.
“I don’t know about the injuries. I think Luke Shaw’s must be a big injury, because to leave the pitch after 10 minutes I am expecting a very big injury.”
With regards to Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, it doesn’t look too great for their next season chances. Mourinho clearly was unhappy about them not trying to be available for the game.
“I prefer not to speak about Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. I prefer to speak about Juan Mata giving everything to be available. I am grateful for that.”
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