Jose Mourinho is more of 'winner' than Pep Guardiola, says Alan Pardew

Alan Pardew says Jose Mourinho deserves more credit for Manchester United's defensive record

Alan Pardew says Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho's winning mentality sets him apart from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

West Brom manager Pardew says criticism of Mourinho is "unfounded" because he is unrivalled in his ability to win trophies.

The Baggies boss believes Mourinho, who won the Europa League, Community Shield and League Cup in his first season at Old Trafford, is unmatched even by Guardiola, whose City side currently lead the Premier League standings 14 points clear of second-placed United.

"Jose and myself would love to win a game 4-0 playing flamboyant football," he said.

"You can't do that, you just have to find a way to win sometimes. That's the thing he does better than anyone else, including Pep. He wins more trophies.

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola on the touchline at Old Trafford during the Manchester Derby

"He gets a lot of criticism which I think is unfounded.

"You get to the Community Shield by winning the Premier League or FA Cup. Then that's another trophy. I don't understand why people don't think it's a trophy. His targets and what he does are about winning. Simple as that.

"As managers of course, particularly if you're manager of Manchester United, you're going to get criticised. Sir Alex Ferguson got criticised and went through periods where fans were baying for him.

"It comes with the territory and Jose's strong enough and big enough to win trophies, which I'm sure he's going to do."

Jose Mourinho says being Manchester United boss is a difficult job but he is not new to the challenge of a club with high expectations Jose Mourinho says being Manchester United boss is a difficult job but he is not new to the challenge of a club with high expectations

Pardew also praised Mourinho for championing the 'art of defending' and instilling defensive discipline into his teams.

"There's always been two sides to winning football matches, defensive discipline and offensive prowess. You have to get the balance right," he said.

"There are times people would like Jose to be more offensive, but you look at United's defensive record - it's pretty good.

"It's about personnel and having the right criteria. I am of the opinion there's beauty in the game at both ends of the pitch."