Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho asked to clarify comments he made ahead of Manchester derby in which he said City had a strategy to commit 'tactical fouls'

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is in hit water with the Football Association over comments made ahead of last weekend's derby.

Mourinho accused Manchester City of regularly committing 'tactical fouls' and put emphasis on the decision-making of referees.

'It is a strategy they have,' he said. 'Many times they need what is called a tactical foul. Then it is up to the referee to analyse and make a decision, but I cannot speak about that.'

Jose Mourinho has been asked to clarify comments he made before the Manchester derby

That could have been construed as putting pressure on referee Michael Oliver hours before Sunday's defeat at Old Trafford and the FA have asked Mourinho for his observations.

He has until 6pm on Monday to respond and Sportsmail understands a warning is likely, with minimal threat of a touchline ban.

Mourinho's press conference previewing Sunday's game at West Brom is scheduled for later today. Premier League rules state 'each club shall ensure that its manager attends' media briefings which involve broadcasters.

Mourinho accused City's players of making cynical fouls when they concede possession

The Portuguese pulled out of a conference in January 2015 once he had been slapped with an FA charge after remarking there was a 'campaign' against his Chelsea team.

The FA are already investigating the unseemly melee in the Old Trafford tunnel after City's win. Both Manchester giants have until tonight to offer their thoughts on the matter.

United lost 2-1, with Oliver turning down Ander Herrera's appeal for a late penalty after going down under a challenge by Nicolas Otamendi.

The City squad celebrated wildly in the tunnel after their 2-1 victory at the home of their rivals

Both Mourinho and Herrera felt there was enough contact to warrant a penalty, with Oliver instead cautioning Herrera for simulation.

Mourinho addressed the topic in his programme notes before Wednesday's 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

He wrote: 'We have been phenomenal at home this season. So we are not going to get let a clear penalty, which was not given on Sunday, dampen our spirits.'