Jose Mourinho appeared to rule out copying the systems that have worked well for Chelsea and Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho has dismissed the formations employed by rival managers Antonio Conte and Arsene Wenger as a ‘trendy’ fad.

After the Chelsea manager ditched a traditional flat back four last season, his side embarked on a 13-game winning run which powered them to the Premier League title, while Arsenal’s upturn in fortunes, which culminated in an FA Cup final win, also coincided with a change of system.

Mourinho has openly criticised Conte and Chelsea in recent weeks, claiming the Italian’s tactics have sparked a shift towards a more defensive style of football in the Premier League.

Basel were the latest opponents to attempt to nullify Mourinho’s side with a back five at Old Trafford on Tuesday, but were ultimately swept aside 3-0 by an efficient United performance.

Marcus Rashford was on target in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Basel (Picture: Getty)
Antonio Conte prefers to work with a 3-4-3 formation which Jose Mourinho is not a fan of (Picture: Getty)

Afterwards, Mourinho appeared to aim a thinly-veiled dig at his counterparts, telling reporters not to be fooled into thinking 3-4-3 is an attack-minded formation.

‘I think they follow the trendy tactic of five in the back that some of your colleagues like to call three but they are totally wrong, it is five,’ he said.

‘They were very well organised, they tried to close every space and then after the 2-0, the coach changed to four in the back and gave more freedom to [Michael] Lang, but more players in attacking areas.

‘They understood they changed their mentality and approach and then they showed their qualities they also have. I think the 3-0 is a little bit against the grain of the game in this period.

‘But as I was saying before in the group phase any team can take points from the other team.’

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