Van Gaal, who was replaced as United manager by Mourinho in May 2016, was regularly accused of adopting a defensive style of play during his time in the
Old Trafford hotsteat.
But the Dutchman, speaking after United lost to City on Sunday to fall 11 points behind the leaders, has defended his approach and
claimed the club has regressed under Mourinho.
“I would rather watch City than United,” said the Dutchman. "You need quality in a squad and it’s clear City have a better squad.
“If you ask me how did I do at United, I will say it was my best year ever, given the circumstances I was working under.
“We played football that was quite all right. But it’s not football that is appreciated in England. And yet, right now, looking at United, I have to conclude Mourinho is not
being criticised while it’s far more boring football.
"What United produce now is defensive football. I always played attacking football.
The proof is that the opposition were always parking the bus.
"They don't do that now because Jose Mourinho plays so defensive."