“Mourinho has not evolved.”
Jose Mourinho’s inability to evolve sufficiently has resulted in a ‘massive gap’ existing between Manchester United and Manchester City, according to Red Devils legend Paul Parker.
Mourinho and Guardiola took over at United and City respectively at the same time, in the summer of 2016, yet while Guardiola has been lauded for turning City into a free-scoring juggernaut (Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool notwithstanding), Mourinho has been heavily criticised.
And Parker, who made over 100 appearances in five years at United between 1991-96, believes Mourinho’s reputation has suffered because the Portuguese coach is stuck in his old ways.
Speaking to 888 Sport via Goal, Parker said: “When you look at the gulf in points and the manner in which it’s all been done it just hasn’t been good for Manchester United.
“City have done it in a fashion that is good on the eye and the way every team would love to play. Everybody has thoroughly enjoyed watching it which makes it even worse for United.
“In the modern game it doesn’t allow you to be physical and that affords City to play as they do. As far as I’m concerned it’s been like watching Barcelona in the Premier League.
“Without a doubt, the modern game suits Pep Guardiola more than Jose Mourinho. The style of it. The lack of physicality.
“When you look at Pep and Jose you have to say there is a massive gap. Pep is evolving and he realises that the game offers him more scope now with what he wants to do because of how the game is going. As a coach Mourinho has not really evolved and he’s still doing what he did at Porto and Inter Milan. You have to move on.
“Alex Ferguson moved on and got different coaches who had different coaches and because of that United still won titles and still dominated.”
Mourinho will take his United side to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, where they will try to stop City from winning the title with a win in the Manchester derby.
