Man U backs City EPL hopes

MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho believes rivals Manchester City will finish in the Premier League’s top four this campaign to guarantee a Champions League berth.

The race for the final qualifying spot is between Liverpool, Arsenal and his team.

The Red Devils clung on for a goalless draw in the derby against City, after being reduced to 10 men when Marouane Fellaini was sent off for headbutting Sergio Aguero.

A physical midfielder never far from on-field flashpoints, Fellaini had just been booked for tripping Aguero when he fouled the City striker again, before confronting him and connecting with a butt to earn a straight red card in the 84th minute.

Mourinho did not criticise his midfielder for his recklessness, saying Fellaini felt he was sent off only because of his reputation and Aguero perhaps overreacted.

“I saw Aguero in the tunnel,” Mourinho said. “No broken nose, no broken head, his face as nice as always. If Sergio doesn’t go to the floor, for sure it’s not a red card, although Marouane gave him the chance to do that.”