Manchester United not guaranteed a top-four spot - Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has stressed that the Red Devils are far from guarantee a top-four spot despite their strong start to the Premier League season.

The Red Devils have racked six wins from the opening seven outings, and this has placed them second in the standings with 19 points - behind only Manchester City on goal difference.

Despite this, the Special One does not feel his side are assured of a Champions League place due to the immense competition from their top-six rivals. Speaking on Portuguese outlet Record, the 54-year-old admitted that the club could struggle for a top-four spot as a quick start does not guarantee a good conclusion to the campaign.

He said: "Nothing has happened yet. Last year the season started much harder and ended very well, this year it started very well and we don’t know how it will end. In another league it could be said that a team that starts with seven wins and a draw would almost mean the title. But in England it doesn’t mean anything, not even that we will finish in the first four places."

United could count themselves lucky to have faced teams from their lower half of the table, and their real competition could come from the month of October where they tackle the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The Europa League holders also have a game against Chelsea prior to the next international break, and results in those matches could give a fair reflection of their credentials.

A number of former player and pundits have backed United for the title due to their squad depth, and it will be interesting to see how Mourinho manages to keep his players happy over the course of the campaign. Manchester United visit Merseyside to take on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool next weekend.