Jose Mourinho was refreshingly positive in his comments following Manchester United’s 3-1 derby loss to Manchester City in the Premier League today.
The Portuguese, who perhaps in the recent past may have been more dour in his assessment of defeat to another top-six side, chose rather to point to his side’s gradual improvement after a rocky start to the 18/19 season.
Goals from David Silva, Man City top-scorer Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan saw the hosts to victory despite Anthony Martial’s 58th minute penalty, but Mourinho was insistent his team’s overall performance marked what has been a gradual improvement in previous weeks.
“There is 12 points [difference between the sides]. Our team is improving a lot. Even defensively, despite conceding three goals, it was a positive performance – it is individual mistakes.’’ Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“We concede too many goals that are of the responsibility outside of the back four. We knew there is a difference of potential. We knew our second position last season was a good achievement and this season we must fight for the top four.
“We have difficult fixtures. It is almost impossible for us to win three matches in a row [Juventus, City and Chelsea]. It was not a negative performance at all. City felt it was difficult for them until the third goal.