File Photo:Manchester United players will have to motivate themselves at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday after manager Jose Mourinho suggested their Premier League title challenge was probably over.
The 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday leaves United second in the table but a daunting 11 points behind their city rivals.
However, United’s Spanish forward Juan Mata issued a stirring rallying call in the wake of the defeat.
“We must carry on, knowing there’s still a long way to go,” said Mata.
“The calendar gives you no time for mourning and we have to focus on what’s next.
“The list of fixtures is very demanding this month so it’s important to get to each game in the best condition possible.
“I think we have the ability to do it, even though we know these are the toughest weeks of the season.
“We are Manchester United and we have experience in playing every few days.”
United’s fixture list is indeed a hectic one — Wednesday’s match is the fourth of nine games they face during December.
Mata Rallies United In Wake Of Mourinho Defeatism
