JOSE MOURINHO HAS played down talk of a spat between himself and Wayne Rooney after the striker was seen smashing his boot during Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Paul Pogba had put the Red Devils ahead just before half-time in a game filled with controversial refereeing decisions. Palace equalised through James McArthur before Zlatan Ibrahimovic restored the advantage with two minutes remaining.
However, Rooney felt United could have had the game tied up before the 88th minute goal, seeing Juan Mata’s strike ruled out for offside and a blatant handball from Joe Ledley in the area not punished.
Rooney was withdrawn with the game at 1-1 and with 10 minutes remaining, but Mourinho claims that his tantrum in the dugout was related to refereeing decisions rather than being withdrawn.
“He was angry with a possible penalty,” Mourinho told reporters.
He was complaining with the referee, he was complaining with the fourth official too.”
The victory is United’s second in a row after a string of draws in games where they let leads slip, and keeps them in sixth place.
The Red Devils remain 13 points behind league leaders Chelsea, but just six behind rivals Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification.
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