This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
Jose Mourinho Criticizes Manchester United's Performance ¶
Published on December 5, 2019, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has criticized Manchester United's performance against top teams, suggesting they play better when they are not dominating.
Mourinho, who is regarded as one of the modern tacticians of his time, made the comments after Manchester United's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
According to Mourinho, Manchester United's previous two games have been disappointing draws against newly promoted sides: Sheffield United and Aston Villa.
Speaking on United's form, Mourinho noted an interesting trend – that United were a completely different outfit when they played tough opposition.
"You look at United's results this season against the best teams and they are good results, I think at home when they play Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester, they have this kind of attitude which is easier for them because they are not afraid to take a defensive approach. It is easier for them to play against teams which want more of the ball," he said in the post-match press conference.
True to Mourinho's analysis, United actually have a fairly decent record against sides which are above them in the premier league.
They began the season in scintillating fashion as they thumped Lampard's Chelsea 4-0 and throughout the next few months, managed to contain the form teams of the season including runaway leaders Liverpool and reborn Leicester City.
However, Solskjaer's men have been frustrated by teams which, on paper, they should beat seamlessly.
The likes of Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Westham - teams all struggling for form this season, have already snatched three points against United, who are eight points off Champions League places.
