Jose Mourinho says Manchester United are favourites for the Premier League title even if they are beaten by his former club Chelsea on Saturday.

United are three points ahead of the Blues with a better goal difference by 18, with just three games remaining.

"Even if Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona ...
Wenger hunts double trophy glory ...
Vidic out for two to three weeks ...
Football: ManU allege laser attack ...
Live - Africa Cup of Nations ... Chelsea win then after that Manchester United play West Ham and Wigan," Mourinho told BBC Sport.

"So, even if United lose at Chelsea, they have everything in their hands to be champions. They have an advantage."

Mourinho, who managed Chelsea between June 2004 and September 2007, recalled guiding his former side to victory against United at Stamford Bridge to win the title in 2006.

He says knowing his side could win the Premier League going into the match gave his side a psychological edge - one which United will have this time around.

"They (United) don't have pressure playing at Chelsea," added Mourinho. "They can go there with an open mind and spirit as well as a lot of self-confidence.

"That's because if anyone can celebrate on the day it is Manchester United. The same happened with us two years ago."

Cristiano Ronaldo could crown a potentially glorious weekend for United by being named the PFA's Player of the Year on Sunday.

Mourinho's fellow Portuguese has scored an incredible 38 goals so far to catapult United into the last four of the Champions League and to the Premier League summit.

But Mourinho said: "I think the player of the year must be the best of the year but also a winner of the year. I don't think it can be a player without a big trophy.

"Clearly, what Ronaldo did this year has been magnificent and by some distance he has been the best player in the Premier League.

"For me the best is always a winner because football is a collective sport.

"So, if Manchester United does something important by winning the Premier League or Champions League I, and not just me but the whole football world, would give him the Golden Boot."

Whatever happens against United, Mourinho has warned Chelsea not to suffer from over-confidence going into their second leg Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.

Chelsea were gifted a late away goal by John Arne Riise in the 1-1 first leg draw at Anfield.

"It's a completely different result, 1-0 to 1-1," he noted. "I am not a man of percentages but I still think it is 50-50. I don't think it is a big advantage.

"For example, last season in the quarter-final Chelsea drew 1-1 at home against Valencia and in the second leg many people thought Chelsea had the advantage.

"They scored against us but Chelsea won it."

(BBC)

<< Back