Peter Crouch jumps to the defence of Manchester United

Jose Mourinho has, on more than occasion, been forced to answer questions about his philosophy this season.

Mourinho has been accused of sending his Manchester United players out with an overly defensive mindset throughout this campaign. Louis van Gaal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Cantona have all ridiculed Mourinho's strategy since he took over at Old Trafford and after Thursday night's 0-0 draw with West Ham, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp ripped into United and revealed that he doesn't enjoy watching the Red Devils play nowadays. However Redknapp's former teammate during his brief stint at Southampton, Peter Crouch, has come out in support of United. It's not often that you see an ex-Liverpool player defend United but Crouch has made a point of reminding supporters of Mourinho's accomplishments in his Daily Mail column.

"Criticising Manchester United has been all too easy this season" Crouch writes. "They do not play the same way as Manchester City, Liverpool or Tottenham and that has made them a consistent target.

"To be honest, it is something I have struggled to understand.

"Look at the table — with one game to go, they have second place sewn up. Of course, people will argue that they did not get close enough to City in the title race but, as far as I can see, this has been a very good season for them. I know the style sometimes frustrates the fans but you cannot argue with results.

"It pains me to say this, as my mum's side of the family support City and I used to play for Liverpool, but how can you knock United when they have secured second place in the table and reached the FA Cup final?

"If United beat Chelsea next Saturday — and I really wouldn't be tempted to bet against them — that will be three trophies in the space of 16 months. The game is about getting trophies and results and Jose Mourinho has proven he is the man to get them.

"I do not for one minute think that City will have it all their own way next season in terms of the title race.

"I said a couple of weeks ago that I expect Liverpool to be in the mix but United will be right there, too. They have plenty more to give – and the right man to get the best out of them."