LISTEN – Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel defends manager Jose Mourinho amid criticism of ‘negative’ tactics :-: talkSPORT
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has come to the defence of Jose Mourinho, amid criticism over the manager’s ‘negative’ tactics.
Despite the Red Devils being unbeaten this season, sitting just two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and being on the brink of the Champions League knock-out stage, there is an air of negativity hanging over Mourinho at Old Trafford.
The manager was hammered for his tactics in the recent goalless draw with arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield, and the haters were out again following their drab 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica on Wednesday – won by a freak Marcus Rashford free-kick.
MATCH REPORT: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United: Red Devils win ugly in Champions League
The win in Portugal was United’s ninth clean sheet in 13 games and Mourinho is amazed by the negative comments, insisting following the match that ‘being good defensively is not a crime’.
And he has the backing of Schmeichel, with the legendary former goalkeeper telling talkSPORT insisting the club are on the right track with the self-styled Special One at the helm.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, he said: “I’m not making excuses [for their two recent disappointing performances], but I understand and as a fan I accept it for that one game.
“You’ve just come back from the international break and it’s Liverpool away – the one game you don’t want to lose all season – it’s a 12:30 kick off and then you’ve got Benfica midweek, so you’ve got more travelling to do.
“I know he’s got a big squad to work with, but you don’t want to mess around with the team too much.
“You want to win the game, or at least try not to lose the game and unfortunately that is the way football is going – when you get to these important games, you don’t want to lose.
“But I have to say in the same token that I’m very, very pleased with Jose Mourinho’s personal development, I think he’s been brilliant.
“He always said, ‘I will get it right with Manchester United and I will make the fans happy’, but between the lines he has always said, ‘but I don’t have the players’.
“So when he got the players we have played some really entertaining and effective stuff and have scored a lot of goals.
“I’ve seen a big difference from last season and I’m OK with everything that’s happening there.”
