‘Phenomenal’ supporters will help keep Crystal Palace up, says Mourinho
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said Crystal Palace will not be sucked into a relegation battle, partly because of their “phenomenal” supporters.
A late Zlatan Ibrahimovic strike was enough to secure the Red Devils three points in a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.
Paul Pogba put United ahead at the end of the first half, before Palace midfielder James McArthur levelled matters with a well-taken effort midway through the second period.
However, Ibrahimovic scored two minutes from time to break Palace hearts.
Alan Pardew’s side have now slipped to 16th in the Premier League, three points above the drop zone, after their seventh defeat in nine matches.
Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images
However, Mourinho was fervent in praising the Eagles players and manager Pardew, and reserved special commendation for the Selhurst Park faithful.
“I don’t think they are battling relegation – I think they are too good for that,” Mourinho said.
“I think they will be fine and, at the end of the season, they will be in a comfortable situation without that problem of relegation.
“They have a good manager, good players, they are spending good money on good players.
“They have phenomenal fans; they have one of the stadiums where they are phenomenal with the support.”
