Mind games begin: Mourinho attacks Solskjaer ahead of Tottenham v Man United

Solskjaer took up the reins at Old Trafford following Mourinho's sacking and has already led United to victory over Tottenham once this season going into Friday's clash [COURTESY]

Jose Mourinho is seemingly adding fuel to the fire ahead of Tottenham's first clash back against old club Man United next week, by delivering a damning assessment of rival boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Spurs manager was replaced in the Old Trafford hotseat by Solskjaer when sacked by United in December 2018.

Since then Solskjaer has weathered a difficult period to rejuvenate his United squad and turn their fortunes around, while Mourinho has struggled to hit the ground running in north London.

However Mourinho has still had time to play down his successor's work, by suggesting the Norwegian is out of his depth at United, according to a report from The Athletic.

Solskjaer has already got the upper hand over Mourinho once this season when the two sides met in United's 2-1 win at Old Trafford before Christmas.

Indeed United also have an advantage in the table too, as they sit currently four points ahead of Spurs.

A win on Friday would stretch their lead and all-but end Tottenham's hopes of claiming a top four spot.

Both teams have been stepping up preparations for the clash by hosting friendly fixtures to give their stars a run-out.

United played West Brom on Friday in two separate matches, losing the first 2-1 before winning the second 3-1.

Spurs hosted Norwich on the same day and fell to a 2-1 defeat, though only conceded both goals in the final 10 minutes after throwing on a number of youngsters.

Both managers have been boosted by the return of top stars, including Paul Pogba and Harry Kane, who are expected to feature.

And Solskjaer is fully aware of the task lying ahead for his team.

He said earlier this month: "Everyone knows that we will have to be at our best, have to be focused [against Tottenham]. We know it’s a big game for everyone.

"We had Chelsea when we started the league this season so I’m confident that our players can go into the Tottenham game with that mentality of going there to play a very good game of football."