Van Gaal: Mourinho's United playing 'far more boring football' than mine did
Jose Mourinho should face more criticism for his team's "boring" brand of football, former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said Monday.
United was widely panned after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City for playing so defensively at home. The loss also spelled the end of a 41-match unbeaten streak at Old Trafford.
Although Van Gaal lasted just two seasons in charge of United - including a 2015-16 campaign that featured a lowly 49 goals in 38 matches - the Dutchman said his teams were more entertaining than Mourinho's lot.
"If you ask me how did I do at United, I will say it was my best year ever, given the circumstances I was working under. We played football that was quite alright," Van Gaal told The Telegraph's James Ducker. "But it's not football that is appreciated in England. And yet, right now, looking at United, I have to conclude Mourinho is not being criticised while it's far more boring football."
Despite spending nearly £300 million, Van Gaal only came away with an FA Cup. The 66-year-old cited disturbances behind the scenes as the reasons for his short tenure.
"I have more problems with the CEO, Ed Woodward," Van Gaal added. "He never discussed anything with me - and you can talk about anything with me."
Mourinho's United has retreated into its shell as of late, averaging 33.6 percent possession over the past three matches. Sunday's reverse left some fans fuming over the state of the club, which had established a tradition of attack-minded football under Sir Alex Ferguson.
United is now 11 points behind City in the Premier League title race.