Gary Neville: Stunned by loss at Huddersfield and Jose Mourinho's outburst

The former Manchester United defender feels United need to be wary of Tottenham's form.

Gary Neville
Gary Neville believes Manchester United must get back on their bike against Tottenham Reuters

Former Red Devil legend Gary Neville says he was stunned by Manchester United's loss to Huddersfield but says they must "get back on the bike" against Tottenham on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho's side lost their first game of the season in all competitions at the weekend as newly-promoted Huddersfield pulled off one of the results of the season to beat United 2-1 in the Premier League.

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While he was expecting a difficult trip for United, former defender Neville said he was shocked by the result at the John Smith's Stadium.

"I thought it would be tough for United because of the atmosphere but I also thought they'd come through it. I was stunned by the result," he said on the Gary Neville Podcast, as per Sky Sports.

The Red Devils made a superb start to the 2017-18 campaign, winning six of their first eight Premier League games while taking full points from their Champions League group matches.

United's form had seen them level with City at the top of the table but their unbeaten run came to an end at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday as Huddersfield secured a remarkable victory. Goals from Aaron Mooy and Laurent Depoitre inspired the 2-1 win and Mourinho tore into his players following the final whistle, criticising their attitude and application.

Neville said he was also stunned by Jose Mourinho's comments afterwards about the application of the players, saying it was the worst he's seen them up for the game.

Following the defeat, a number of Manchester United players are reportedly unhappy with the level of criticism aimed at them by Jose Mourinho following Saturday's surprise defeat to Huddersfield Town, according to the Metro.

Mourinho criticised Ander Herrera's post-match interview where he cited lack of attitude as a reason for the defeat, the manager also said his team lined up as if they were competing in a friendly. While the players expected criticism following their shock defeat and poor performance, there is reportedly a feeling around the squad that the United manager went too far.

Mourinho will be looking for a response when United face Swansea City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night – the Premier League giants welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford at the weekend.

Tottenham are right now in terrific form, having just beaten Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley on the weekend and full of confidence, something that Neville wants United to be wary of.

"If Tottenham play anything like they did today, Manchester United will have to be at their best - they can't be below," Neville said.

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