Man United boss Jose Mourinho slams Sergio Aguero for role in Marouane Fellaini red card

The Belgium international’s moment of derby madness – clearly making contact with Aguero– ignited a goalless stalemate but Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho insisted that the City player’s reaction was over dramatic.

“Maraoune said it was a red card because he is Marouane Fellaini. Referee Martin Atkinson said it is a red card in his opinion,” said Mourinho.

“But I saw Aguero in the tunnel and he has no broken nose, no broken head – he looked as good as ever. If Sergio doesn’t go to the floor [he does not get sent off].

“But Marouane gave him the chance.

“I can guess it’s a bit of a red card and a bit of a very smart, very experienced Argentinian player.”

Mourinho insisted he was proud of his players for withstanding City’s late charge and equalling the club’s record unbeaten league run with 24 games stretching back to October.

“I thought my players showed amazing spirit. We controlled easily the game in the first half and we were always dangerous in counter attack,” he said.

“We had two good chances to score. They fouled Marcus [Rashford] lots of times.

“Then in the second half I think they were stronger than us. In second half we didn’t create them any problems in attack and let them feel that they could win.

“I have to defend the spirit of my players. They were amazing and I am really pleased.” Michael Carrick admitted that Fellaini’s red card - his third in the Premier League and second for United - put his side in a difficult position.

But he insisted that they would have taken a draw at the Etihad had it been offered beforehand.

“It’s a point gained for us. We thought we could catch City on the break and we did have a couple of chances but overall I thought we did well except at the end when there was a bit of excitement.

“It does make things more difficult when you go down to 10 men.” City captain Vincent Kompany also felt a point was not a bad result for Guardiola’s side.

“It’s not so bad but we never felt like the game was difficult or they were a threat. It has happened a lot this season – good games but just not the result.

“Rashford and Martial have got so much ability and such a bright future ahead. They are lightning quick and with a bit more experience can cause a lot more trouble.” Fellaini’s red card will cause his manager plenty of trouble given the three match ban which violent conduct carries with it.

The result also will ensure a nervous end to the season for Liverpool who can now be caught by both Manchester clubs if they win their game in hand.