Manchester United played a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at the Old Trafford Stadium on Saturday. The result means the Red Devils are 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City.
However, Jose Mourinho said United do not need miracle to reach top four at the end of the season. The Portuguese hopes United’s squad to perform better as a team and not to waste the points.
“I don’t know if I said it or if I didn’t but if I used that word, it is not what I feel at all. I don’t think we need a miracle at all. We need a good run of results. We need to not waste points that we shouldn’t waste.” Mourinho said.
“Last week, before the Crystal Palace game, I said what my hopes and targets were, at the end of December, to be in that position.
“The target changed but let’s try to close the distance as best as we can and be very close to these positions. We need some players to perform better than they are. We need to perform better as a team, but it would be far from a miracle.” Mourinho added.
United are currently sat seventh in the Premier League standings, they are eight points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal
“I can agree, in spite of the fact that the investment Everton made was phenomenal and obviously there was a great improvement in that team from last season in relation to this.” Mourinho said.
“But I don’t think Everton will be in front of Manchester United at the end of the season. There are six teams that should stay in the first six positions, season after season two of these teams are finishing outside the top four.
“For example, last season it was Arsenal and Chelsea. And this season two of these six are going to stay outside.” Mourinho added.
Manchester United will host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. (Source:www.protevousa.com)
United have the chance to put a little pressure on Arsenal, as they play on Wednesday night, but Mourinho believes the Gunners match will be difficult.
“It will be a very difficult match for us because we are going to play against a good team in a good moment without having faced a backlog of matches because they are playing in the Europa League.” Mourinho said.
“When you play in the Europa League, you normally play with second choices and give good rest to the players.” He added.