United don't get enough credit, says Mourinho

Cape Town - Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United deserve more credit for their performances this season, which critics have described as "conservative" and "negative".

The Red Devils received criticism for their cautious approach against Liverpool and Tottenham, two Premier Leagues games in which they kept clean sheets.

Mourinho's side made a flying start to the season where they went unbeaten in their opening eight outings before slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield.

The Portuguese coach feels that other teams would be seen in a more favourable light for playing similarly, despite United being the closest challengers to neighbours Manchester City, who are five points clear at the league summit after 10 matches.

"I don't want to comment because if I do, I do a job that is not mine. Sometimes I feel I should but I cool down and think I should not," Mourinho said.

"Similar performances for some clubs are magic, examples of brilliant tactics and amazing attitudes by the players.

"For other teams, the same kind of performance becomes a conservative, negative - so many adjectives.

"Just as an example, Tottenham beat Liverpool 4-1 and Real Madrid 3-1 but did not score against Manchester United, so we deserve credit."

On Sunday the Red Devils will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in hope of closing the gap on log leaders Manchester City.

Kick-off is at 18:30.