Mourinho is master tactician like Mayweather ―Neville

 Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho is outsmarting opponents on the football pitch in the same way Floyd Mayweather ground down rivals in the boxing ring, according to Gary Neville.

Some United fans have been left disappointed after their free-flowing and exciting football of the early season was replaced by defensive and tactical displays, such as the one in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Tottenham.

Indeed, Mourinho held his finger to his lips on the final whistle at Old Trafford on Saturday after some in the crowd heckled him for being negative during the match.
It came two weeks after Mourinho parked the bus during United’s goalless stalemate with Liverpool at Anfield.

But United legend Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, compared Mourinho’s approach to that of Mayweather, who would often sit back, avoid being hit and wear down his opponents during his undefeated 50-fight career.

He said: “I would say [Mauricio] Pochettino and [Jurgen] Klopp have reputations for being wonderful attacking coaches but Mouringo is a bit like Mayweather.

“Mayweather was called boring at times where he used defence as a weapon and let others tire themselves out.

“Klopp in that game the other week didn’t feel like he could fully go for it because he thought Mourinho could do him with a Mourinho masterclass.

“Tottenham lacked the belief to really go for it because I think it gets into their heads: “I can’t get done on the counter-attack, he’ll do me”.

“He deserves more respect. That little shush was “be quiet, I’m going to do it my way and we are going to win my way”.’

But United will have to keep winning if they are to bridge the five-point gap to rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.