Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has suggested Sergio Aguero made the most of the incident that led to Marouane Fellaini’s sending off for headbutting Manchester City’s striker.
Fellaini, 29, was shown a straight red in the 84th minute, seconds after being booked for tripping the Argentina star.
United held on for a goalless draw.
“I didn’t watch but probably I can guess it’s a bit of a red card and that it’s a bit of a very experienced, smart Argentinian player,” said Mourinho.
Asked whether Belgium midfielder Fellaini was foolish for his actions, Mourinho added: “Marouane says it was a red card because he is Marouane.
“[Referee] Martin Atkinson told me that in his opinion it is a red card, but I saw Aguero in the tunnel and no broken nose, no broken head, his face is nice as always. I am not sure…
“If Sergio doesn’t go to the floor then it is for sure not a red card, but if Marouane gave him the chance to do that… I don’t know, but what I do know is that we played 15 minutes with 10 men and the boys were absolutely amazing for the way they fought for the point.”
Felliani has now been sent off three times since signing for United from Everton for £27.5m in September 2013.
He was previously dismissed in the goalless league draw with Hull City on 24 May 2015 as well as a Champions League tie with Real Sociedad in November 2013.
Fellaini was also sent off playing in a 1-1 draw for Everton against Bolton in the Premier League in November 2010.
United remain fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed City and two behind Liverpool, who have played one game more.
Two of United’s final five games are away at sixth-placed Arsenal on 7 May and second-placed Tottenham on 14 May.
Mourinho said his side, who are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, would continue to battle for fourth place despite a hectic schedule and a growing injury list.
Defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Paul Pogba missed the derby owing to injury, while Fellaini now faces a three-match domestic ban.
“Tonight we lost two more players, in Fellaini and also Timothy Fosu-Mensah because he has also an important injury in the last action of the game,” added Mourinho.
“I think City will finish in the top four with the matches they have to play, I see them doing that.
“It’s between us, Arsenal and Liverpool for fourth. We are going to try but the reality is we have a Europa League semi-final to play and lots of problems with players.
“We are going to fight.”
BBC
