Jose Mourinho told his critics to “calm down” after Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
The Red Devils manager had faced scrutiny in recent weeks after a 0-0 draw against Liverpool and shock 2-1 defeat by promoted Huddersfield.
Anthony Martial’s goal kept United second in the league and at full-time Mourinho looked at a television camera and put his finger to his lips.
“Some people speak too much,” he said when asked about the gesture.
“Calm down, relax a little bit. Don’t speak too much, speak, speak, speak, relax. Relax a little bit, don’t be so nervous. Don’t be so excited,” the Portuguese added.
Mourinho’s defensive tactics were criticised by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after their goalless draw at Anfield two weeks ago, and fans booed the decision to replace Marcus Rashford with Martial after 70 minutes against Spurs.
But the substitution proved to be a game changer as Martial slotted home the winner from Romelu Lukaku’s flicked header.
“If the result is 0-0 or 1-1 my feelings with the players would be the same because they gave absolutely everything, every ball was like the most important ball of their career,” said the United boss.
“The concentration and focus was there and we cannot forget the quality of the team we were playing against.”
Tottenham were without top scorer Harry Kane for their trip to Old Trafford after the England striker was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Kane has scored 13 goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for his club and country this season, but boss Mauricio Pochettino said his absence should not be used as an excuse for their defeat.
“I said before the game that you are always going to miss your main striker and Harry Kane is one the best strikers in the world,” said the Argentine, whose side are one place behind United in third.
“We did not lose the game because Harry wasn’t out there, it is a collective sport and you have to adapt when someone isn’t fit to play.
“I am happy with the performance and we deserved more than zero points.”