Tuesday 5 December 2017 18:09, UK
Manchester United will have to adopt the 'Mourinho style' when they host fierce rivals Manchester City in this weekend's Super Sunday clash, says Tony Gale.
Pep Guardiola's City are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a top-flight record of 13 successive wins in a season, with second-place United aiming to close the gap at Old Trafford.
An impressive attack, coupled with a David de Gea masterclass, steered United to a 3-1 win over Arsenal in their last league outing but Gale feels Jose Mourinho's side must display a more cautious approach against the league leaders.
"I think in these occasions you've got to play with your head, more than your heart," he told Sky Sports News.
"It means a lot to everyone... but you've got to play with your heads and if you're going to go blow-for-blow with Manchester City with attractive football, then I think you're going to come unstuck.
"I would think that Mourinho will play a more cautious game.
"He has got to play in Mourinho style. The fans won't mind it, as long as he gets a result."
Gale feels City pose too strong a threat for United to press and claims Guardiola's men could "pierce them apart".
"I think the Arsenal game was obviously a great result and I loved the way they pressed Arsenal.
"It will be interesting to see if they will be like that against Manchester City because Manchester City could pierce them open, should they come out the back.
"On the break, they were looking a little bit like Man United of old, weren't they.
"I think he [Mourinho] will be feeling they won't be able to play that type of game come this weekend.
"Against Arsenal, they could get away with it. Against Manchester City, when it goes in those midfield areas, if they beat your pressing midfield... then you're going to be in trouble.
"So it will be interesting - they will maybe sit behind the ball a little bit more."
The former West Ham defender says the Sky Blues do have some weaknesses in their style of play but admitted it is difficult for the opposition to sustain the same level of energy City have been continually displaying until the final whistle.
"They just wear you down," Gale said.
"Obviously physically you get worn down, because you're moving the ball and you're passing the ball.
"Concentration levels are the most important thing. You've got to find a way around it, all the time."
