Don’t kill us, pleads Pep

PEP GUARDIOLA claimed last night that the Premier League is ‘killing’ its stars as the Manchester City manager called for changes to the festive schedule. Kyle Walker appeared to be struggling with a knock towards the end of the 3-1 victory over Watford and Guardiola branded the treatment of players here ‘not normal’. City are on an unbeaten 22-game run this season which has put them 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester United. City were ahead after 38 seconds through Raheem Sterling — the fastest Premier League goal this season, but Guardiola said: ‘How many injuries have the players had in the last weeks? We’re going to kill them. The federation has to

club steered clear of him when replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. And while United are prepared to let the Portuguese set his own agenda when it comes to relations with match officials, opposition managers and even former United players, they will not appreciate thinly-disguised efforts to force their hand on spending. United are happy with Mourinho’s progress on the field and have sympathy with his claim that he inherited a squad from Van Gaal that had not been sufficiently improved since the Ferguson years. They also believe their manager’s purchases have been well thought out. Chief executive Ed Woodward is preparing to bankroll Mourinho further in the transfer window if required and plans are in place for two marquee signings in the summer. United know they have fallen too far behind City and are prepared to do whatever is necessary to catch up. However, further comments from Mourinho about finances will only lead him closer to direct confrontation with his employers. Meanwhile, United have entered into discussions with Sevilla in a bid to bring down the astronomical ticket prices for their Champions League clash next month. The Spanish side sparked outrage when it emerged they planned to charge United fans £89 and £133 for the last-16 fixture. While United are reluctant to subsidise the cost of the tickets because they do not want to set a precedent and give opposition clubs a licence to up prices in future, they have opened dialogue with officials at Sevilla. United will email supporters who have been successful in the ballot for the 2,650 tickets on Tuesday. The message will tell them they have been charged the full price but that work is ongoing to reduce the figure. Any discount will be passed on.