JOSE Mourinho has refused to accept that Manchester United are out of the title race – and says he would already be on holiday if he thought it was all over.
The Portuguese was speaking after Romelu Lukaku’s goal helped United beat Bournemouth 1-0 at Old Trafford last night.
The win helped United bounce back after Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City, which left them trailing their local rivals by 11 points and Jose himself admitting that the race for the Premier League crown was “probably” over.
Pep Guardiola’s rampant side maintained the seemingly unassailable lead last night thanks to another attacking masterclass in a 4-0 win away to Swansea.
But when asked again last night if he thought United’s title hopes were over, Jose insisted: “No, I didn’t say that.”
Refusing to throw in the towel, he added: “I said that we play match after match, one match at a time and the next match we have to try to win.
“We tried this one and we managed to do that.
“Next weekend we have a difficult one against West Brom. We are going to try the same and we go match after match and I believe that all the other teams behind us are going to try the same.”
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And confirming that he thinks the title race is far from over, he said: “I think it’s over in May, if it’s over I go holidays tomorrow, I go to Brazil or Los Angeles.”
Despite failing to claw back City last night there were other positives for Mourinho.
Luke Shaw continued his gradual return to first team action with his first Premier League start of the season while youngster Scott McTominay also made his top-flight bow.
Shaw, who is still fighting his way back after a lengthy battle with injury and fitness, even received received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd after being substituted with a few minutes remaining.
Mourinho said: “People forget his history, a hard history with an incredible injury and more surgery last season.
“I liked the standing ovation, it only helps the player.”
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