Ask any Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs fan this about Man Utd and they'll say yes - Savage

ROBBIE SAVAGE insists any Liverpool, Arsenal or Tottenham fan would accept duller football if they could challenge the likes of Manchester United for the title.

Mourinho: United deserve credit after Spurs beat Real Madrid

The last time any of the aforementioned trio won English football’s domestic flight came in 2004 when the Gunners ran away with the title.

And with Manchester City and Manchester United already the two frontrunners to lift the trophy come May this time around, Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are chasing their shadows.

Jose Mourinho has been criticised for playing dull football this year and playing too defensively, but former player-turned-pundit Savage reckons other fans would accept that style of play if it meant more chance of success.

“Sometimes Jose Mourinho must feel he can’t win – even when his team does,” Savage told the Mirror.

“There has been a lot of hot air over style and substance in Manchester United’s win against Tottenham last weekend. And yes, it was a pretty dull game.

Robbie SavageGETTY

Robbie Savage reckons other teams are jealous of Manchester United's success

Jose MourinhoGETTY

Jose Mourinho has come in for criticism for his tactics this season

sk any Arsenal, Tottenham or Liverpool fan if they would accept duller football to be neck-and-neck with City at the top. I think I know how most of them would answer

Robbie Savage

“But given how Spurs dismantled Real Madrid at Wembley 72 hours later, was Mourinho a killjoy or tactically astute to approach the Tottenham clash with caution?

“In a vital game for both sides, with the gap to leaders Manchester City extended to eight points for the losers, surely it was all about the result... and Mourinho found a way to win.

“If Mourinho had tried to take on Spurs with an open, gung-ho game plan and lost, he would have been absolutely crucified.

“Paul Scholes hit the nail on the head when he said it’s four years since United sustained a title challenge, and it’s high time they were in the mix again.

“Ask any Arsenal, Tottenham or Liverpool fan if they would accept duller football to be neck-and-neck with City at the top. I think I know how most of them would answer.”

Mourinho will have to ensure his tactics are spot on when his side visit Chelsea on Sunday (4.30pm).

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