The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has defended the club's fanbase after manager Jose Mourinho criticised the atmosphere at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese coach raised the issue following Saturday's 2-0 home victory over Huddersfield Town.

Mourinho described the home fans as "a bit quiet" and claimed that Portsmouth's Fratton Park boasts a better atmosphere.

MUST has replied by stating that any perceived lack of atmosphere at home is reflective of wider issues, and added that the club are renowned for the quality of their away support.

A statement by the supporters' trust read: "We note our manager's further comments regarding the poor atmosphere within Old Trafford following the Huddersfield home game.

"The decline in atmosphere is by no means limited to Old Trafford, it's an issue affecting clubs throughout the country.

"And it's certainly not an issue specific to Manchester United supporters - our away support is widely acknowledged, by fair minded fans, as the best in the country.

"We believe that atmosphere is primarily dependent on the perceived relationship between fans and club - including the degree of supporter ownership and engagement.

"In the absence of any imminent changes in the former, we therefore concentrate on other areas where we can have an impact in the short to medium term.

"To that end, last week we met with Directors (both Board and Venue) to explore what can be done. We will be reporting on that meeting in the coming days."

United's next three matches all come away from home before they host Mourinho's former club Chelsea on February 25.