Pep Guardiola strangely comes to Jose Mourinho’s defence

Pep Guardiola (left) and Jose Mourinho [Courtesy]

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has found an unlikely ally in Pep Guardiola after the Portuguese's poor start to the season.

United have lost two of their opening three Premier League games for the first time since 1992, shipping seven goals against Leicester, Brighton and Tottenham.

Mourinho is starting to feel the heat after his side's shambolic start, with the Portuguese ranting after their shock 3-0 loss to Spurs on Monday night.

But Manchester City chief Guardiola has leapt to the defence of his bitter rival - the Spaniard reckons the stick Mourinho has been receiving is harsh, albeit expected.

Guardiola believes Mourinho remains one of the best in the business [Courtesy]

Guardiola believes Mourinho remains one of the best in the business and insists it too soon to start questioning his chances of making United title contenders this season.

But the Spaniard does reckon the criticism is something all the leading bosses have to deal with.

Guardiola said: "They (United) remain a great, a top team.

"We're in August. There are a lot of points to play for and the real season starts after the international break. With three games every week, the travelling and no time to prepare for the games.

"Unfortunately it's our job (the criticism). Our job depends on results. When we win we are good, when we don't we are not good.

"When you get to that level, they are top, top managers."

"When you get to that level, they are top, top managers"- Guardiola on Mourinho [Courtesy]

Guardiola, whose side host Newcastle tomorrow, has seen City drawn in a Champions League group alongside Lyon, Hoffenheim and Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Premier League champions will be expected to go through and have been installed as favourites to win the competition for the first time.

But Guardiola, who has a full squad to choose from against the Magpies, isn't even thinking about reaching the final and he added: "It is what it is.

"The Champions League every season, from my point of view, is tough and tougher.

"They're all much better. We'll see, it depends on us. We'll try to go through and reach the finals, but I don't think about the final right now.

"It's in June. We're in August. That would be a big mistake. We focus on the Premier League."