MOURINHO: IT’S A WIN, NOT A CIRCUS

JOSE MOURINHO insisted yesterday that Manchester United never make ‘a circus’ out of winning in the wake of last weekend’s derby bust-up at Old Trafford. The United manager also declared himself ready to grasp the chance to make important signings next month. He was speaking after Christmas lunch with his coaching staff, insisting the mood at the club’s training complex was normal after losing 2-1 to City and the subsequent fracas in the tunnel at the end of the game. Both clubs have filed their observations of the incident to the FA. ‘The next day, the place was normal — as I like it,’ said Mourinho. ‘I like balance. I don’t like a circus when you win and you’re happy. ‘I don’t like a sad place when you lose. I like an emotional balance. Bournemouth (on Wednesday) was difficult and we coped. Back to normality.’ Striker Romelu Lukaku seemed reluctant to celebrate his winner against Bournemouth but Mourinho added: ‘I didn’t either. I control my emotions. I’m not acting to the cameras or the fans.’ He believes his squad still needs some reshaping and hopes there could be chances to land targets such as Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann next month. He also admitted that several players could leave. ‘I’m not a big defender of the January market but there are players that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn’t lose that chance,’ said the Portuguese. The manager revealed that centre-back Eric Bailly will be sidelined for up to three months after ankle surgery. Midfielder Marouane Fellaini also looks to be out until the new year to ensure he is fully recovered from a knee injury. As well as facing a tough game at West Brom tomorrow, Mourinho has until Monday to explain to the FA his pre-derby remarks in which he mentioned referees, while accusing Manchester City of ‘tactical fouls’. Albion manager Alan Pardew, hoping to add to Mourinho’s hectic schedule, yesterday claimed that centre-half Jonny Evans is easily good enough to still be in United red. Evans joined Albion from the Old Trafford club for £6million in 2015 and has since attracted interest from Arsenal and City. Pardew said: ‘Jonny is just a great player — he showed it at Liverpool (in midweek). He could easily wear a Manchester United shirt on Sunday — no problem.’