Chris Sutton believes Pep Guardiola is in a ‘different league’ to Jose Mourinho and insists that the Manchester United manager’s negative approach is being ‘exposed’ by the Manchester City boss.
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Guardiola’s side sit top of the Premier League – five points clear of United – after a blistering start to the season where they’ve banged in 32 goals in their opening nine matches.
After Mourinho parked the buss against Liverpool at Anfield, his side were disappointingly beaten by Huddersfield, a result that saw them slip further behind City and adds extra pressure to next weekend’s crunch tie with third-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Former Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers striker Sutton is adamant Mourinho has invited pressure upon himself with his tactics at Liverpool and that his defensive approach will ultimately end up costing United.
And he is certain that the Red Devils will come up short again this season.
‘Pep Guardiola is in a different league to Jose Mourinho,’ Sutton told the Daily Mail.
‘While Manchester City continue to set the pace in the Premier League, every other team — Mourinho’s Manchester United included — is playing catch-up.
‘This week has exposed the flaws in Mourinho’s approach. Last week, United set up negatively against Liverpool at Anfield and played for a draw.
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‘But adopting a cautious approach puts you under pressure to win every game against lesser opponents. You have to be flawless.
‘Against Huddersfield, United were no way near that level and Mourinho was left arguing that he cannot remember a friendly match where his players’ attitude was so poor.
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‘It has not taken long for Mourinho to start digging out his players but ultimately the manager should be taking responsibility. Contrast this with Guardiola whose mindset is wholly positive. City play to win every game.
‘Can you imagine this City team going to Anfield and settling for a draw? When they went to Chelsea, City were utterly dominant and played the Premier League champions off the pitch.
‘Mourinho will no doubt point to his 20 major honours, including eight league titles in four countries. But up against the attacking might of City, it is difficult to see how playing his way can win the Premier League for United this season.’
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