Charlton says United have had decisions against them this season

Mourinho says the title race is being undermined after United avoided two penalties last week, while Chelsea had an appeal rejected at Newcastle.

"Considering he's very intelligent, to come out with that is silly," United legend Charlton told BBC Radio 4.

"It's a nonsense. We've had many games when we've not had the decisions."

Interview: Man Utd legend Sir Bobby Charlton

Middlesbrough had their penalty appeals turned down when John O'Shea appeared to foul Lee Dong-Gook during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

In United's previous game, Sheffield United were denied a spot-kick when Gabriel Heinze brought down Luton Shelton.

Mourinho is a marvellous coach but some of the statements are quite unnecessary Sir Bobby Charlton

Chelsea were subsequently denied a penalty when Stephen Carr appeared to handle Salomon Kalou's cross during their goalless draw with Newcastle on Sunday.

United lead Chelsea in the title race by three points and after the match against Newcastle Mourinho launched into his tirade.

"It is not possible to have a penalty against Manchester United," he said.

"If you tell me it was not a penalty for Sheffield United or a penalty for Middlesbrough or for us against Newcastle. I must go to my optician."

Charlton, now a Manchester United director, says Mourinho's colourful remarks were unnecessary.

"I thought it was a little bit senseless," added Charlton, who captained United to a European Cup triumph in 1968.

"It makes good copy for the media and he's obviously a marvellous coach but sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary."

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to be drawn into Mourinho's debate but did say he felt the referee was right to deny Middlesbrough a penalty.