'Mourinho a hypocrite and a coward'
Former Manchester United striker Garth Crooks has launched a scathing attack on United boss Jose Mourinho after his side's insipid performance in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
Mourinho went into the game with a clear gameplan which involved his side keeping things tight and trying to avoid defeat, leading to Crooks, now a pundit for the 'BBC', to label the Portuguese a hypocrite and a coward.
The 59-year-old used his 'Team of the Week' piece to express his anger at Mourinho, who has criticised other managers in the past for using such tactics, whilst insisting that the great Sir Alex Ferguson would never have forced United fans to watch such a poor display of football.
'I don't know how Mourinho has the nerve,' Crooks vented.
'I remember him slamming former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce for ''parking the bus'' having seen the Hammers produce a brilliant display at Stamford Bridge some years ago.
'He has also used the term to describe other performances by those who insist on containing the opposition and have refused to play an open game against his teams.
'So forgive my annoyance when Mourinho adopts the same tactics to save his own behind on occasions.
'He saw off Anthony Martial and later gave Rashford something to think about in a game in which Liverpool were allowed to dominate the play.
'Sir Alex Ferguson would never have subjected United fans, or one of his teams, to such a cowardly display, especially at Liverpool.
'United going to Anfield looking for a draw? Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola must be laughing himself to sleep.'
The draw allowed United's city rivals Manchester City to open up a two-point lead at the top of the table, with City boss Pep Guardiola no doubt looking forward to locking horns with Mourinho in the weeks and months ahead.