JOSE MOURINHO’S players were blamed for sparking an ugly clash in the tunnel after a stormy ending to Manchester United’s 600th Premier League victory which maintained their chase for a top-four finish.
By JASON MELLOR
Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification remain on track after a 2-1 win at Middlesbrough which ended with rival players separated by security staff when punches were thrown and Boro skipper Ben Gibson and United winger Ashley Young were restrained by team-mates as tempers flared.
Jose Mourin
ho refused to comment, but Middlesbrough caretaker manager Steve Agnew insisted his players were reacting to provocation after an injury-time bust-up when United defender Eric Bailly and Boro substitute Rudy Gestede initially appeared to bite each other before replays showed the pair had been involved in a heated clinch.
“I’m picking up there’s something gone on in the tunnel,” Agnew said. “That many bodies were there, it was hard to tell with all the pushing and showing. What triggered it off I don’t know.
“I’ve got a group of very, very well behaved players so I can assure you it wouldn’t be one of ours. What I would say it would have been a reaction because of the spirit they have.”
United defender Phil Jones added: “When emotions are high these things happen but it was something and nothing.”
Mourinho had inflamed matters before the game by suggesting he “knew the names” of the Middlesbrough players he claimed had been responsible for the departure of Aitor Karanka, his former Real Madrid assistant who was sacked this week.
Mourinho headed down the tunnel at the final whistle without acknowledging his opposite number, though Agnew confirmed the pair had shaken hands in the tunnel afterwards.
By JASON MELLOR
Jose Mourin
ho refused to comment, but Middlesbrough caretaker manager Steve Agnew insisted his players were reacting to provocation after an injury-time bust-up when United defender Eric Bailly and Boro substitute Rudy Gestede initially appeared to bite each other before replays showed the pair had been involved in a heated clinch.
“I’m picking up there’s something gone on in the tunnel,” Agnew said. “That many bodies were there, it was hard to tell with all the pushing and showing. What triggered it off I don’t know.
“I’ve got a group of very, very well behaved players so I can assure you it wouldn’t be one of ours. What I would say it would have been a reaction because of the spirit they have.”
United defender Phil Jones added: “When emotions are high these things happen but it was something and nothing.”
Mourinho had inflamed matters before the game by suggesting he “knew the names” of the Middlesbrough players he claimed had been responsible for the departure of Aitor Karanka, his former Real Madrid assistant who was sacked this week.
Mourinho headed down the tunnel at the final whistle without acknowledging his opposite number, though Agnew confirmed the pair had shaken hands in the tunnel afterwards.
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