Jose blames Euro exertions for derby loss

MANCHESTER: 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.

“Everybody has to agree — it is one thing to go to Juventus and play against one of the best teams in the world for 90 minutes and another thing to beat Shakhtar Donetsk at home 6-0 and be very relaxed. We arrived in different circumstances,” said Mourinho. admitted this was something his side needed to work on.

“When you are playing over 90 minutes, the two teams start the game with more intensity,” said the Spaniard. “Little by little over 90 minutes you need to impose your game, your job and your individual quality.”

CAVANI HAT-TRICK SINKS MONACO

PARIS: Edinson Cavani scored a hat-trick as Paris St Germain won 4-0 at hapless Monaco but the Uruguayan twice needed an assistance from VAR as his side cruised to their 13th straight Ligue 1 win on Sunday.

The crushing win, which also featured a goal from Neymar, gives the champions a maximum 39-point haul but leaves Thierry Henry still searching for his first win as coach of Monaco, who are second from bottom.