Mourinho explains why Man United perform better against the top six | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has given his verdict on Manchester United’s impressive record against the top six, after seeing beaten on his first return to Old Trafford as Tottenham manager.

Mourinho returned to his former side for the first time as an opposing manager on Wednesday night, though it would prove an unhappy return as Marcus Rashford’s double condemned Spurs to a first defeat of his reign.

Manchester United have endured a disappointing start to the season, though the club have produced consistent results against the division’s leading sides, beating both Chelsea and Spurs and securing draws with Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s were happy concede possession to the visitors on Wednesday evening, Spurs seeing almost 54 per cent of the ball, though their game plan was executed to perfection as their counter-attacking threat saw the hosts create a host of chances.

Mourinho has now given his assessment of his former side’s success against the top six, believing the side’s characteristics are better suited to facing teams keen to maintain the greater share of possession.

“I think it’s just the way it is. You look to United’s results against the best teams they’ve had good results,” Mourinho said in the post match press conference.

“I think at home when they play like they did against Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester, also a great team this season, they also had this kind of attitude.

“I think it’s easier for them, for the way they play it’s easier for them. They are not afraid to be with a defensive approach.

“They are not afraid to be at home, to take their time, to be in control of the emotions of the game.

“Then lots of young people with lots of energy, with a good mentality, when they are winning matches they are comfortable in this situation of low block, with a giant dominating in the air. And being fast in counter-attacks with Marcus, James, Jesse with Martial, when he plays.

“I think the way they play it’s easier for them when they play against teams that are better teams, teams who want more of the ball, who want to have initiative of the game. I think they did well.”

Tottenham will now be looking to bounce back when they host Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, whilst United travel to face Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Saturday evening.

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