London: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was sent off as his side lost more ground in the Premier League title race by drawing 1-1 with West Ham United, Sunday. He now faces a six-game ban from the sidelines.
After Diafra Sakho’s second-minute opener was cancelled out by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mourinho was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle in protest at Paul Pogba’s booking for diving.
It was United’s fourth successive home draw in the league — a first since 1980 — and left them 11 points below leaders Chelsea in sixth place.
Mourinho made six changes to his starting XI at Old Trafford, but his bench created the biggest stir as formerly exiled midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger made an unexpected return to the match-day squad.
West Ham needed just 90 seconds to go ahead as Dimitri Payet’s free-kick from the right was headed in by Sakho. In the 21st minute, Pogba’s deep cross was nodded in by Ibrahimovic, who has now scored seven league goals this season.
Moments later referee Jonathan Moss booked Pogba for diving after the France midfielder took evasive action as Mark Noble moved in to tackle him. Mourinho reacted by furiously kicking a water bottle and was duly sent to the stands for the second time this season.
United will hope their luck changes when West Ham return to Old Trafford in the League Cup quarterfinals, Wednesday.
Elsewhere, a brace from Alexis Sanchez helped Arsenal ending a run of three straight draws in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. Theo Walcott also found his name on the scoresheet while Callum Wilson struck for Bournemouth.
AFP
