Manchester United 'rift' will only strengthen Manchester City’s title defence, warns Mike Phelan

Under the spotlight | Mourinho and United are under pressure following their indifferent start to the season
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Jamie Teather26 August 2018

Jose Mourinho and Manchester United need to be "very careful" that any conflict at the club does not strengthen Manchester City's hand, according to former Red Devils assistant boss Mike Phelan.

United have managed to pick up just 3 points from a possible six after losing at Brighton last Sunday, and manager Mourinho denied any rift with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward during a tetchy press conference on Friday.

The Portuguese has nonetheless made clear his frustration over the lack of extra summer signings, with the failure to improve in defence coming back to haunt United in last weekend's defeat at Brighton.

Defending Premier League champions Manchester City have made another bright start to their campaign, taking seven points from three games so far.

Phelan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "I think what is there at the moment is fierce competition within the city, and if Manchester United are at loggerheads within the club I think it just helps fuel Manchester City's cause more than anything else.

"And I think that's something they need to be very careful of because Manchester City are a very big club now and they're very well run and they know how to use certain situations, and I think that helps - unrest across the road helps."

Mike Phelan Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Joe Mourinho's side are back at Old Trafford to face Tottenham on Monday night, as the Red Devils will be looking to end a torrid week with a win.

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