Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has stated that Manchester United find it “easier” to play against teams like Spurs after his perfect win record as Spurs head coach came to an end.
A brace from English striker Marcus Rashford saw United overcome Tottenham 2-1 on Wednesday as Old Trafford welcomed a familiar adversary in the 56-year-old Mourinho.
The Red Devils have now beaten Spurs, high-flying Leicester City and Frank Lampard’s Chelsea for three of their five Premier League wins this term, while also holding the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, Mourinho, who had won his first three matches as Spurs’ new boss, said United’s approach to games makes it easier for them against other big clubs that look to win matches.
The Special One was handed his first defeat as Spurs manager and Mourinho explained that the style of play suited Manchester United as they have earned results like this in the past, “You look at United’s results this season against the best teams and they had good results, I think at home when they play like they did [against] Chelsea, Liverpool, and Leicester – also a great team this season – they always had this kind of attitude. I think it’s easier for them.
Mourinho further added that United aren’t afraid to be on the defensive side of the game even when they play at Old Trafford and the players that contain in their arsenal are perfect for that kind of play, “I think for the way they play it’s easier for them, they’re not afraid to be with a defensive approach, they are not afraid to be at home and to take their time, to be in control of the emotions of the game and then lots of young people with lots of energy and with a good mentality. When they are winning matches, they are comfortable in this situation of a low block with a giant [Harry Maguire] there almost dominating in the air and being fast in a counter-attack with Marcus, with [Daniel] James, with Jesse [Lingard], with [Anthony] Martial. I think the way they play it’s easier for them when they play against the teams that are better teams, teams that want more of the ball, teams that want to have the initiative of the game so I think they did well.”
