Man Utd news: Martin Keown explains Manchester United problem when compared to Man City

MANCHESTER UNITED players do not get enough licence to express themselves.

Parker: Manchester United are expected to attack at home

That's the verdict of former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown who says Pep Guardiola's Manchester City don't have the same problem.

United made a scintillating start to the season as they kept pace with rivals City in the goalscoring and point-collecting stakes.

But they've stuttered over the last few games and Jose Mourinho has been accused of adopting a negative approach.

United secured a slender 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend, with Spurs then going on to beat Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

The problem with United is that Mourinho holds his players back

Martin Keown outlines the problem for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho

Asked if Mourinho showed Zinedine Zidane how to deal with Tottenham, Keown outlined what's wrong with the United gaffer's approach.

Writing for the Daily Mail, he said: "These were two completely different games.

"Manchester United are a difficult prospect at Old Trafford and I would expect them to beat Tottenham there.

"United are starting to rebuild that aura they used to have at Old Trafford. They have won all eight of their fixtures there in all competitions this season and are yet to concede at home in the Premier League.

"Let’s see how United get on when they face Spurs at Wembley in the New Year. The ‘Trembly Wembley’ factor has gone now.

Jose Mourinho coaches Manchester United versus Benfica in the Champions LeagueGETTY

Jose Mourinho coached Manchester United to a slender 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend

Mourinho: United deserve credit after Spurs beat Real Madrid

Martin Keown on BT SportGETTY

Martin Keown says Manchester United players do not get enough licence to express themselves

"The problem with United is that Mourinho holds his players back. You watch a team like Manchester City with awe as every player is able to express themselves. You cannot say the same about United."

United followed up their victory over Tottenham by beating Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

They return to Premier League action when they take on Chelsea this weekend.

The showdown at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday.

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