Robson: Mourinho Won't Need A Team Talk

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Jose Mourinho will not need to give a rousing team talk to his troops ahead of Sunday's pivotal Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Victory for the Reds would close the gap on the Merseysiders, reckoned by many to be Chelsea's chief rivals for the title, to a mere two points and a 10th successive win in all competitions would raise morale even further at Old Trafford.

The boss has already stressed he wants the supporters to play a key role at the weekend and ex-skipper Robson, who turned 60 on Wednesday, feels a special atmosphere can only benefit the home side. 

"The fans can have a massive part to play in raising the players’ tempo in a game and getting right behind them by encouraging the team," said Robson. "I don’t think we have had many decisions go well for us at Old Trafford this season, quite a few have gone against us, we’ve had penalties turned down and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic]’s goal disallowed in the last Premier League game here. So it’s not been going great for us. 

"Sometimes, I think home fans can influence referees to give you a few decisions you might not get in away games but it’s the same for every club. That’s why it’s really important the fans get right behind the team but, as I say that, there’s no danger of that not happening. We’re playing Liverpool, it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere and I’m sure the players will really raise the tempo of the game at home. They know how important it is. I don’t think Jose will have to have too much of a team talk to raise the performance of the players. I am sure they will go out and give it everything."

In terms of the title race, although leaders Chelsea remain strong favourites to lift the trophy, Robson says Antonio Conte's Blues should not take anything for granted yet.

"People said Chelsea will run away with it but they said very similar about Manchester City last season, when they got off to a terrific start," he added. "The manager was playing the same players week in and week out but then, all of a sudden, they hit a bit of a run and got a few injuries and lost a couple of points in certain games. They got into a bit of a bad run and the manager changed it maybe too late. 

"I think Chelsea are in that situation at the moment. They’re playing the same players every week, okay they’re not in Europe, but it still has a toll on certain players, appearing in every single game, and it might just happen to Chelsea too. They might have a little run where they don’t win for two or three games and the confidence goes a little bit. All of a sudden, other people come with a surge and get really close to them. There is a long way to go in a season and that’s why, from United upwards, nobody can be written off."