Mourinho claims United are strong at home

Apr 7, 2017 - 4:23 PM Jose Mourinho has claimed that Manchester United are displaying strong home form despite nine Premier League draws at Old Trafford this season.

Their latest point was against Everton on Tuesday, but was only secured from the penalty spot in injury time after another performance that drew criticism for lacking ideas and invention.

Although United's manager conceded that 1-1 against Everton had been a "bad result", he remained upbeat about his team who, in total, have drawn 10 but not lost any of their past 20 league games.

"I still think in spite of the bad result - a draw is a bad result - we are strong at home. We lost only one game (against Manchester City)," Mourinho said on Friday.

"I know, as an example, 10 matches, 10 draws or 10 points, 10 matches with five victories is 15 points. What is better? The 15 points, obviously.

"In terms of looking to the future, I prefer to look at 10 matches with 10 draws, you have something that is not easy to have. You are quite solid mentally, difficult to beat, fighting against difficult circumstances."

Sixth-placed United have not lost a league game since their 4-0 defeat by Chelsea in October.

"It's good to know that we have a fantastic run of 20 unbeaten matches in the Premier League," Mourinho said.

United visit basement-side Sunderland on Sunday, and Mourinho offered his sympathy to their manager David Moyes, whose team are 10 points adrift from safety.

"I have sympathy with every manager that is fighting hard to reach their objectives," the Portuguese added. "Some of us, we are sacked in the middle of the season. It's difficult for everyone, so of course I have sympathy."

United will be without captain Wayne Rooney, fullback Ashley Young, central defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and midfielder Juan Mata for the trip to Sunderland.

Source: AAP