The selection said it all. Ordering room service to a suite at the five-star Lowry Hotel may constitute a bit of a disaster for José Mourinho but losing to Manchester City for the second time in seven weeks at Old Trafford, and a weakened City at that, would have left the United manager fearing the walls were closing in. It was not a risk he was prepared to accept.
Both managers were in urgent need of victory – Pep Guardiola to avoid the longest winless run of his illustrious managerial career and Mourinho to respond to growing doubts over his ability to alleviate United’s malaise. The consequences of defeat, however, were significant for only one and were avoided thanks to a determined, improved second-half display from the hosts.
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