Jose Mourinho
Phil Neville has hit out at “disgraceful” and “disgusting” criticism of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho’s United have endured an underwhelming start to the season, narrowly beating Leicester City 2-1 in their opening encounter of the campaign, before an abject 3-2 defeat to Brighton.
Reports suggest that Mourinho remains angry over club chief Ed Woodward’s failure to execute his wishes in the transfer market; United failed to sign a centre-back, despite the Portuguese’s wishes to bolster his backline.
It is understood that Mourinho wanted to sign one of Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire or Diego Godin, but Tottenham, Leicester City and Atletico Madrid were able to retain their players.
Criticism has since been levelled at the United boss, with former star Viv Anderson claiming everyone is “fed up” of his sour antics , while former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has accused Mourinho of turning into his old nemesis Arsene Wenger and enduring a “car-crash” ending to his reign .
Regarding the transfer window, Paul Ince questioned the manager’s previous recruitment, with his signings, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, struggling against the Seagulls , while Lee Sharpe believes he will leave Old Trafford by Christmas .
Neville, though, has refused to jump on the bandwagon, and has urged others to examine Mourinho’s record.
“I think it’s disgusting,” he told BBC Radio Five Live .
“I read something the other day, that his methods are outdated and I think that’s the most disrespectful thing ever. How do these people know his methods are outdated when he comes back in a Manchester derby and wins 3-2 last year? Were his methods outdated in that? I think his record speaks for itself.
“They are going through a bad period, that performance at Brighton was unacceptable but I don’t see a better man for the job. In terms of his record since he’s gone to Manchester United, FA Cup win, Europa League win, two Carabao Cup win, two Champions League qualifications.
“Yes, I don’t think all is smooth there and I think it’s a club issue but I think that the criticism he’s getting, I just think it’s disgraceful, I really do.”
Neville’s brother, Gary, has previously echoed Phil’s sentiments, hitting out at Woodward for failing to back Mourinho in the transfer window.
United return to Premier League action on Monday, with Tottenham set to visit Old Trafford.
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