JOSE MOURINHO ADMITTED Manchester United had paid the price for “incredible mistakes” in their dismal 3-2 defeat at Brighton on Sunday.
Mourinho’s side were blown away on the south-coast as Brighton scored twice in two minutes thanks to goals from Glenn Murray and Ireland defender Shane Duffy midway through the first half.
Romelu Lukaku got one back, but Pascal Gross’s penalty capitalised on more poor United defending to send Brighton into the interval with a 3-1 lead.
United rarely looked like mounting a fightback and Paul Pogba’s penalty with virtually the last kick of the game came way too late.
A shell-shocked Mourinho conceded United’s players had only themselves to blame for their first defeat of the Premier League season.
“We were punished by the mistakes we made. For me that’s the story of the game. We made incredible mistakes in some crucial moments. Mistakes that killed us,” Mourinho said.
“Especially that third goal — we expected to come at 2-1 with positivity — then the third goal killed us off in the second half. Our second goal came too late.
“The week leading up was good and I expected the team collectively to be better. There are basic mistakes that makes almost an impossible mission to win the match.”
Many of Mourinho’s stars, including World Cup winner Pogba, new signing Fred and French forward Anthony Martial, were anonymous for long periods, but the boss refused to criticise individuals.
“I don’t want to go in that direction. I have to learn from my reality,” Mourinho said.
“Last season when I was critical of my team and was debating openly of the performances I was criticised for being too open about my players.
“I will be open when they are doing well. I cannot criticise the desire of my players.”
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Shane Lowry is a breath of fresh air when it comes to professional sport. Nothing scripted, always honest.
It would be great to see him win the Claret jug.
He has a good chance mick of lifting it! Might do a cheeky bet on him
Lowry is always worth a cheeky fiver e/w
Well said shane! Most of us go for a kickaround on the astro once a week, why shouldnt rory! Nike might give him a boot deal when they’re at it!
Had the pleasure to be in Shanes company for dinner once ..hes a true gent and always talks sense ..Unlucky Rory
Sure he could have done that if he slipped in the bath. He can’t wrap him self in cotton wool.
Lowry himself had a freak injury about 4 years ago. Rumour has it that he fell down the stairs in Coppers! Not sure if true or not. Obviously not quite on the same level but these guys can’t be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to have some semblance of normality in their lives.
Still though it’s crazy timing. The Open at St. Andrews in THE major that everyone wants.
Shane likes a night out. Met him once out in Dublin on a night out. Sound fella.
Accidents happen no matter what, he’s only trying to enjoy himself with his mates. Lowry is talking a lot of sense, as per usual.
I have spoke to same who said what was he thinking the week before the open? what’s your view?
I know the Open is a major, but he is nearly always a week away from some tournament. Why not have a kick around? Sure you can injure yourself walking down the stairs.
that was my view but others seem to think what was he at
Buffon or Toldo. Can’t remember which Italian keeper it was…. but he knocked a shaving gel can on his foot and broke a bone a month before a world cup. sh#t happens.
it was Canizarès the ex Valencia/Spanish Goalie,
Apparently he wasn’t even bring tackled when it happened. It’s just hard luck. He can’t be expected to beat balls all day.