Teddy Sheringham is the latest former Manchester United star to have questioned Jose Mourinho’s methods, with the Red Devils’ class of 2017-18 considered to be boring.
A club which swept to 13 Premier League titles under the guidance of legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson were once famed for their attacking approach and ability to dominate opponents.
Mourinho’s philosophy stands in stark contrast to that of an iconic predecessor, though, with the Portuguese famed for a defensive mindset which allows him to grind out results.
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That approach has not been universally well received at Old Trafford, with several of those to have graced successful teams of the past quick to stick the boot in.
Sheringham, who helped United to an historic treble in 1999, feels the club no longer excites a loyal army of followers, telling talkSPORT: “Once you play for United, once you’ve been around the scene for a year or a couple of years you know what is expected of you playing for Manchester United – especially when you play for Sir Alex.
“He had a way of making you feel you had to perform at your top capabilities every game, because everyone expects that.
“And that means going forward, exciting the fans, taking the game to the opposition and that was what he just demanded.
“You look at the game at the moment and it’s very different for Manchester United.
“I can understand why the Manchester United fans, diehard ones who have been watching for 20, 30, 40 years are just looking at going, ‘This isn’t Manchester United’.”
Mourinho was able to silence his critics in 2016-17 by securing three trophies in his debut campaign – with United collecting Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League honours.
Defeat to Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final has, however, left him empty-handed for 2017-18 and needing to rebuild for an assault on more major silverware next season.