Any squabbles could help City, says Phelan

MAN UTD: Unrest will play into rivals’ hands, insists former assistant boss

Jose Mourinho and Manchester United need to be “very careful” that any conflict at the club does not strengthen Manchester City’s hand, according to former Red Devils assistant boss Mike Phelan.

Manager Mourinho denied there was any rift with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Friday, during a tetchy press conference looking ahead of tonight’s Premier League home clash with Tottenham.

Mourinho has nonetheless made clear his frustration over the lack of extra signings during the summer, which saw three players join – midfielder Fred, fullback Diogo Dalot and goalkeeper Lee Grant.

And after the season-opening 2-1 home win against Leicester, the failure to improve in defence appeared glaring in the 3-2 loss at Brighton last weekend.

Defending champions City, who United finished 19 points behind in second place last term, have taken seven points from three games so far this term.

Phelan told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme: “I think what is there at the moment is fierce competition within the city, and if Manchester United are at loggerheads within the club I think it just helps fuel Manchester City’s cause more than anything else.

“And I think that’s something they need to be very careful of because Manchester City are a very big club now and they’re very well run and they know how to use certain situations, and I think that helps – unrest across the road helps.”

When asked if he believes Mourinho will still be in charge at the end of the season, Phelan, who spent five years as number two to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, said: “Results and performances will dictate that.

“The end of the season is a long, long way away. But he needs to now get results. He’s on the back of what was a disappointing performance and result.”

Spurs head to United hoping to end a run of four successive defeats there.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino was given an even bigger headache on Friday when it emerged club captain Hugo Lloris had been charged with drink-driving.

It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will be involved but Pochettino says his team are heading north with belief.

“In football, if you don’t believe you lose before you arrive there,” he added.

The end of the season is a long, long way away . . . but Jose needs to now get results.

MIKE PHELAN