Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims Manchester United have squandered an opportunity to open up a decisive lead over Chelsea.
United hold a six-point Premiership advantage following Chelsea’s goalless draw at Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
“Considering the problems Chelsea have had, Manchester United should be 10, 12, 14 points clear of us. I am happy to be six points behind,” said Mourinho.
“In my opinion, Manchester United did not take advantage of our bad moments.”
Mourinho is also hoping to welcome back John Terry, Arjen Robben and Peter Cech from injury in the coming weeks.
Skipper Terry is set to return for next league game with Wigan at Stamford Bridge on 13 January, with Robben and Cech expected to be available for the trip to Liverpool the following week.
“Six points is nothing,” added the Chelsea boss. “In previous seasons, we have gone 11, 12 points clear and killed things off by Christmas.
“They (Manchester United) didn’t take their opportunity on Monday when they drew at Newcastle.
“Manchester United have dropped five points at West Ham and Newcastle recently and the gap could have been bigger.
“Now we look forward to the second half of the season when we should have some people back pretty quickly.
“John Terry should be available for the next Premiership game with Wigan and Petr Cech and Arjen Robben for the game after that at Liverpool.”
Despite his upbeat assessment about Chelsea’s prospects, it was not all good news for Mourinho, with defender Khalid Boulahrouz suffering suspected medial ligament damage at Villa Park which will sideline him “for four to six weeks”.
