Man United still Premier League title outsiders – Mourinho

Joe Williams

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes his side should be considered title candidates but only with an outside chance of winning the league.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last campaign, seven points off the Champions League places and 24 points adrift of champions Chelsea.

Mourinho, who won the League Cup and Europa League in first season in charge, is trying to keep expectations under control following some promising signings this transfer window.

“I don’t think we’re big candidates for the title, but we’re [candidates],” said Mourinho.

“We’re better than last season and the spirit is fantastic. The confidence levels are good and I think the fact we had some kind of success last season also was important to relax some personalities.

“They feel more confident to go into the Champions League without being a candidate. That’s good. We went into the Europa League with the tag of favourites – and that’s not easy to have.

“I think another fact is that everybody of the top seven – because I have to put Everton in the top seven – is in Europe next season.

“Last season, Chelsea and Liverpool weren’t in Europe and that gave them a chance to be better and stronger than the others in the championship.”