Former Manchester United idol Gary Neville has drawn a detailed comparison between Jose Mourinho and boxing great Floyd Mayweather.

Mourinho was heckled by United fans during his side's 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday before he hit back by shushing them after the final whistle.

Red Devils supporters have been left frustrated after the early season free scoring has been turned into defensive displays - with the side only five goals in their last five games.

But Neville believes tactical genius Mourinho is outsmarting his Premier League rivals in a similar manner to Mayweather.

Jose Mourinho makes the 'shush' sign against Spurs on Saturday (
Image:
EPA/REX/Shutterstock)
Mayweather retired from boxing with a 50-0 record (
Image:
REUTERS)

Undefeated 15 time world champion Mayweather was branded boring by critics throughout his career for making patience and skill, at the expense of entertainment, the calling card of his career.

Mayweather, whose 50th and final - so he says - opponent was Conor McGregor used his cunning and guile to sit back, avoid being hit and wear his rivals down over 12 rounds to be arguably the best of all time.

Mourinho is the Mayweather of football (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Mourinho has similar qualities, according to Neville.

"I would say Pochettino and Klopp have reputations for being wonderful attacking coaches but Mourinho is a bit like Mayweather," Neville said on Monday Night Football.

"Mayweather was called boring at times where he used defense as a weapon and let others tire themselves out.

Mourinho is a keen boxing fan (
Image:
Getty)

"Klopp in that game the other week didn't feel like he could fully go for it because he thought Mourinho could do him with a Mourinho masterclass.

"Tottenham lacked the belief to really go for it because I think it gets into their heads. 'I can't get done on the counter attack, he'll do me'.

"He deserves more respect.

"That little shush was 'be quiet, I'm going to do it my way and we are going to win my way.'"