Garth Crooks launches attack on 'cowardly' Jose Mourinho

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BBC pundit Garth Crooks slammed Jose Mourinho for his 'cowardly' tactics
Mourinho appeared to play very defensively in the goalless draw with Liverpool
Crooks says the Manchester United boss was being hypocritical with the display

Published: 06:58 EDT, 16 October 2017 | Updated: 08:52 EDT, 16 October 2017

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was subject to heavy criticism from Garth Crooks following his side's goalless draw away to Liverpool on Saturday.

The pundit labelled the display as 'cowardly' as Mourinho set his side to soak up Liverpool's attacking threat.

The Manchester club, who were in formidable goal scoring form prior to the match, offered very little going forward on a disappointing day at Anfield.

BBC pundit Garth Crooks slammed Jose Mourinho for his 'cowardly' tactics on Saturday

Crooks used his weekly Team of the Week to share his strong opinions on Mourinho's defensive tactics.

He wrote: 'I don't know how Mourinho has the nerve. I remember him slamming former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce for ''parking the bus'' having seen the Hammers produce a brilliant display at Stamford Bridge some years ago.

'He has also used the term to describe other performances by those who insist on containing the opposition and have refused to play an open game against his teams.

'So forgive my annoyance when Mourinho adopts the same tactics to save his own behind on occasions.'

Mourinho appeared to use defensive tactics in order to deal with Liverpool's attacking threat

Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea produced heroics to stop Manchester United going behind

Fans were given warning of a potentially defensive display as the team sheet was revealed.

Two of United's most creative talents, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford, found themselves on the bench as the side looked content to sit back.

Crooks continued: 'He saw off Anthony Martial and later gave Rashford something to think about in a game in which Liverpool were allowed to dominate the play.