Portuguese suffers 2-1 defeat - his first since taking charge of Spurs - on return to former employers Man Utd; Ole Gunnar Solskjaer salutes season-best performance and match-winner Marcus Rashford
Thursday 5 December 2019 11:43, UK
Jose Mourinho insists arrogance was not to blame as his perfect start as Tottenham head coach came to an end at the hands of former employers Manchester United.
Spurs travelled to Old Trafford on the back of a three-game winning streak masterminded by Mourinho since his sensational succession of Mauricio Pochettino.
But the new managerial bounce came to an abrupt halt as Marcus Rashford's double either side of Dele Alli's exquisite equaliser secured Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side a much-needed victory.
"For 30 minutes United were not just better than us, they were much better than us," Mourinho told his post-match press conference. "They were much better in the intensity, in the aggression, they were winning first balls, second balls, 50-50 duels.
"United have good results against the best teams this season. At home against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester, they always had this kind of attitude. It's easier for them because of the way they play, they are not afraid to have a defensive approach at home, take their time and handle the emotion of the game.
"They have lots of young players with lots of energy and a good mentality, and when they are winning matches, they are comfortable in the low block. It's easier for them to play against better teams that want more of the ball and have the initiative. They did well."
Pushed on whether Spurs arrived at Old Trafford arrogant after winning their first three matches under their new manager, Mourinho added: "I've tried to fight that state of mind.
"I told the players about the way United approached their home matches with strong starts and people running and pressing and trying to lift the crowd. We only have to blame ourselves.
"We didn't lose because of an attacking set up, we lost because we approached the game in an emotional way."
Spurs were outfought and overrun in the first half at Old Trafford but grabbed an unlikely foothold in the one-sided game when Alli hauled them level against the run of play with a superb individual effort just before half-time.
The England international instinctively flicked the ball over two United defenders before finishing past David de Gea as he continued his renaissance since Mourinho took charge.
"He is playing well," the Spurs boss added. "He played well before me, it's not like I'm teaching him how to play football. He had a difficult period, don't ask me why, I don't know the majority of it, and what I know is not to be shared.
"I've just tried to play him in a position where the principles of play suit him and give him space for his creativity and intelligence. He is playing well, working well, scoring goals, I cannot ask anything more of him other than to keep going."
Mourinho's return to the Old Trafford touchline coincided with mounting pressure on his successor after guiding United to their worst start to a season since 1988.
But Solskjaer's name was ringing around Old Trafford at the end of a match and a performance that could rival any produced by his side during this turbulent campaign.
"One of the best performances of the season, definitely," the United boss said. "We've had spells against Liverpool, Chelsea and Leicester but the first 40 minutes were excellent.
"But the reaction after they scored was even better at the start of the second half. That is always the concern because this season we've been winning, gone to a draw and then stayed at a draw, but the players never gave in, trusted themselves and we deserved to win.
"The players enjoyed themselves, we haven't been good enough breaking teams down but today some of the build-up play and penetration was excellent."
Rashford's double took his Old Trafford goals tally to eight for the season and capped and man-of-the-match performance that will steered United back on the winning trail ahead of Saturday's Manchester derby, live on Sky Sports.
"Rashford played like he was in a playground with his mates," Solskjaer added. "Maybe there's some expectation and pressure on him because we do expect a lot from him, but that's because he's shown a lot so many times.
"We want the players to enjoy themselves, we want to them to go out there, take players on and have no fear of losing the ball, that's what I and the Stretford End want to see. Manchester United fans love to see wingers and forwards play with courage.
"You can define players by those who wait for things to happen, expect things to happen or making things happen. Rashford made things happen by his movement, his decision making and being direct and positive. It's great to see. This was a top, top performance."
Analysis from Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper:
Perhaps Manchester United should arrange for Mourinho to be in the opposition dugout for every game because this was their best performance of the season.
Perhaps the only criticism on a heady night when the manager's name was roundly sung was United's inability to add to their two goals, but whatever way you look at it there was an undoubted improvement.
United had energy and fight and in Rashford the best player on the pitch, his confidence and ambition infecting those around him as Spurs were halted on almost every occasion.
Victor Lindelof bellowing at Harry Maguire in the 93rd minute told you just how much it meant to United to make this their fifth Premier League win.
So does that mean the Manchester Derby is now a free hit for Manchester United? As one of the sages of the North West press pack corrected me: "Manchester United should never need free hits." Ole remains at the wheel and bearing in mind his opposite number, he'll have enjoyed this spin.
