Ashley Young galvanised his team-mates with a rousing half-time speech before Manchester United mounted an incredible comeback to delay Man Citys Premier League title party.
Young was joined by former England international Michael Carrick in geeing up the Red Devils in the dressing room after a woeful first-half performance saw City take a two-goal lead.
City appeared to be cruising to a victory that would have seen them secure the Premier League title when Ilkay Gudogan scored five minutes after Vincent Kompanys 25th-minute opener at the Etihad.
More: Football
But United improved drastically after the break, with Paul Pogba, who was the subject of much debate ahead of the game, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to cancel out the lead.
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Chris Smallings volley 15 minutes later completed a turnaround which began in the dressing room with Young reminding his team-mates of their duty to the club and the fans.
According to The Times, Young told his team-mates at half-time: The City fans are shouting “Olé” and theyre embarrassing us. Are we going to stand for that?
Remember your responsibilities to the fans and the badge. Show some pride and fight for each other.
Carrick, Uniteds club captain, also made his feelings known. The 36-year-old was at the game in a coaching capacity ahead of joining Mourinhos backroom staff in the summer.
Of course the oldest guys with the most experience – Ash, Mike was in the dressing room – they have the power in their words, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera said.
More: Football
But everyone was talking. We didnt talk too much about tactics, just about our pride.
I was feeling sorry for [the fans] in the first half because it was going to be a difficult day for all of them – but this is Manchester United and no one should ever underestimate it.
MORE: Serbia and Lazio star responds to Man United transfer speculation
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Ashley Young galvanised his team-mates with a rousing half-time speech before Manchester United mounted an incredible comeback to delay Man Citys Premier League title party.
Young was joined by former England international Michael Carrick in geeing up the Red Devils in the dressing room after a woeful first-half performance saw City take a two-goal lead.
City appeared to be cruising to a victory that would have seen them secure the Premier League title when Ilkay Gudogan scored five minutes after Vincent Kompanys 25th-minute opener at the Etihad.
More: Football
But United improved drastically after the break, with Paul Pogba, who was the subject of much debate ahead of the game, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to cancel out the lead.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
Chris Smallings volley 15 minutes later completed a turnaround which began in the dressing room with Young reminding his team-mates of their duty to the club and the fans.
According to The Times, Young told his team-mates at half-time: The City fans are shouting “Olé” and theyre embarrassing us. Are we going to stand for that?
Remember your responsibilities to the fans and the badge. Show some pride and fight for each other.
Carrick, Uniteds club captain, also made his feelings known. The 36-year-old was at the game in a coaching capacity ahead of joining Mourinhos backroom staff in the summer.
Of course the oldest guys with the most experience – Ash, Mike was in the dressing room – they have the power in their words, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera said.
More: Football
But everyone was talking. We didnt talk too much about tactics, just about our pride.
I was feeling sorry for [the fans] in the first half because it was going to be a difficult day for all of them – but this is Manchester United and no one should ever underestimate it.
MORE: Serbia and Lazio star responds to Man United transfer speculation
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