Jose Mourinho has promised Manchester United a guard of
honour at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday - but pledged the new
Premiership champions can expect a major battle to retain their
crown next season. Two years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson famously
ordered his players to applaud Chelsea onto the Old Trafford pitch
following the Blues first title triumph under Mourinho. And now,
after Chelsea's lingering hopes of a championship hat-trick died
with a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Mourinho
confirmed the gesture will be reciprocated when Ferguson takes his
team to Stamford Bridge this week. "They did it for us and we shall
do the same for them," said Mourinho.
"This is not a time for excuses. The title race is over and
Manchester United are the new champions. "I wish to congratulate
everyone, from the manager, to the players, the board - and
everyone else who gave them a help to be champions. "We still have
the FA Cup to play for and I promise we will be ready for next
season."
After his well voiced complaints about the failure of referees to
award penalties against United recently, Mourinho rejected any
suggestion his comment regarding the 'help' United received had a
wider meaning. However, he admitted he was awaiting with interest
the outcome of discussions between United, Everton and the Premier
League over the failure of Tim Howard to turn out for the Toffeemen
in their home defeat to the Red Devils a week ago.
It has been claimed Howard was left out by David Moyes as the
result of a 'gentleman's agreement' with Ferguson which was struck
when the American turned his loan move at Goodison Park into a
permanent deal, although the Premier League today said they were
satisfied neither club broke any rules. "I am not the authorities,"
observed Mourinho. "I can't do anything about it. I just have to
sit down and wait and see whether I agree with the decision.
"Everybody knows what the story is. Now I have to see whether I can
find friends in other clubs who will agree with me on a couple of
things."