03 March 2024 , 15:53
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The Manchester derby is always a tense affair - both on and off the pitch.
Manchester United travel to Manchester City on Sunday hoping to avenge the 3-0 defeat that was inflicted upon them by the reigning Premier League champions back in October. Erling Haaland scored twice back then with Phil Foden grabbing the other goal on a chastening afternoon for Erik ten Hag.
Understandably given the rivalry between the two teams, previous affairs have provided plenty of fireworks. And on one occasion back in 2017, the drama spilled over past the final whistle.
Manchester City may have left Old Trafford victorious courtesy of a 2-1 win, but a handful of players were far from happy in the tunnel following a clash with former United manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho allegedly walked into the away dressing room and demanded that City's players 'show more respect' after playing loud music while celebrating their win. Several players took umbrage with the Portuguese's comments, with Ederson purportedly confronting him.
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United players then entered the tunnel, which allegedly sparked a melee, according to details reported by The Mail at the time. It's claimed Mourinho was hit with a water bottle during the confrontation while Mikel Arteta - who was on City's coaching staff at the time - was left with a small cut on the head.
20 people, including players and staff, allegedly became embroiled in the clash. It was outlined that City players felt Mourinho overstepped the mark by entering the away dressing room, regardless of his frustrations.
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Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was allegedly heavily involved in the post-match melee (Getty Images)It was clear during his post-match interview that Mourinho was less than happy with how the afternoon panned out. He suggested that City got the rub of the green with several decisions from the referee and his team of officials.
"They are lucky, I think they have all these decisions in their favour," he said post-match. "We can speak about anything you want, we can bring any football theory, stats, ball possession, but like last season it is a huge penalty in a crucial moment.
"You expect City to score great goals, not to score two disgraceful goals. They had apparent control but the biggest save is the double save of Ederson."
Pep Guardiola scotched such talk in his own interview, saying: "It was the same last year. But we won because we were better. In all departments we were better. I don't know the plan from my opponent but we came here to try to win."
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