Share

Mourinho blames Aguero over Fellaini red card

Manchester - Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was partly to blame for getting Marouane Fellaini sent off, said Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho after the two fought out a 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Thursday.

Belgian midfielder Fellaini was red carded by Martin Atkinson for headbutting Aguero six minutes from time after the City star got to his feet having just been fouled by the United player.

Mourinho conceded some of the fault lay with Fellaini but added Aguero was savvy enough to exploit the headbutt.

"I didn't watch the Fellaini incident on TV but I spoke with Fellaini," he told Sky Sports.

"He thinks it was a red card because he is Fellaini. I spoke to Martin (Atkinson, referee) - he thinks it was a red card.

"I can guess it's a bit of a red card and a bit of a very smart, very experienced Argentinian player."

Aguero's failure to score - his nine shots the most against United since Cristiano Ronaldo's 11 for Real Madrid in March 2013 - reflected a match where City played most of the football but lacked the killer touch.

The shared points left City occupying the fourth and final Champions League spot with United in fifth a further point back.

However both have a game in hand on third-placed Liverpool who are just two points clear of United.

City manager Pep Guardiola - due to finish a season trophyless for the first time in his managerial career - admitted every one of their remaining league games would be like a final

"We cannot forget which team we were against tonight," Guardiola told the BBC.

"They created two clear chances and I am satisfied. I know how difficult it is to play against Manchester United.

"Every game until the last game now will be a final. We have the talent but it's not easy with so many players behind the ball.

Mourinho, whose side extended their unbeaten run to 24, laid into his midfielders for not providing the quality ball Marcus Rashford could feed off and while not naming him bemoaned the absence of Frenchman Paul Pogba.

"They started strong, pushed hard and I promised not to speak about players who weren't playing so I won't but we just didn't have the quality of players in midfield - we were missing quality there."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE