Mourinho laments Tottenham squad as ref gets a mouthful over penalties

Jose Mourinho questioned the strength of Tottenham’s squad and said their lack of attacking options hurt them following Friday night’s 1-1- draw with Manchester United.

Spurs, who welcomed Harry Kane back into the team, took the lead through Steven Bergwijn.

But it was all United in the second half and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty earned them a point.

Mourinho was pleased with his side’s performance, but felt they were hurt by a lack of attacking options on the bench.

Spurs went into the game with Lucas Moura injured and Dele Alli suspended after some naughty social media activity.

“I like my team performance, especially for 70 minutes,” Mourinho said. “I felt always in control. We gave them the kind of game they don’t like very much.

“But from minute 65, 70, I had some tired people on the pitch without the options to change them. The way we were playing our attacking players were fundamental to defensive intensity but also fundamental to transition attack.

“Without Lucas and Dele, we didn’t have these attacking players on the bench.”

 

Read more: See the TEAMtalk player ratings for both sides here.

 

Mourinho launches penalty rant

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho was upset by the decision to award United a late penalty. While VAR overturned the decision, Mourinho also felt the first penalty should have been ruled out.

“We knew that we could have a penalty against and we were very careful with it,” he said. “We know Manchester United has an incredible record with penalties given this season. That is why we knew that everything in the box was very dangerous for us.

 

 

“We had to be very cautious, we were prepared to block every shot with hands behind the body. We knew it could happen.

“I think the first penalty the referee Jonathan made this decision, which I admit is difficult for referees. Then the VAR is a different story.

“Referees can make mistakes but I don’t think VAR should make mistakes.

“Then the second penalty is incredible for me. Its a foul on Serge Aurier that should kill the situation.

“Then it’s a foul in the box and I feel when VAR goes for simulation the player should be exposed and get a yellow card. But that didn’t happen.

“I feel really upset with these two decisions but that’s how it is.”