United are still a threat – Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Manchester United’s current struggles will be irrelevant when the two sides meet on Sunday.

Louis Van Gaal’s side have only won three of their eight league games so far this season and could fall 13 points behind the Blues if they lose to the league leaders at Old Trafford.

But Mourinho, who was assistant manager to Van Gaal at Barcelona for three seasons and cites the Dutchman as a big influence on his career, said: “Man United is Man United.

“It doesn’t matter the manager, it doesn’t matter the moment, the table or the players. United is United and always look at them independent of these factors.

“We go respecting an opponent that is one of the best and most difficult in the Premier League.

“We are confident, we are in a good situation and there is no reason to change our feeling. We play against a big team but we feel in a good moment.

“I like to play in the most difficult stadiums. I know the risk is bigger but I always enjoy these matches. I have been there with four teams; with Porto, Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea. I like to go there.

“We are playing well we are confident and are top of the league. The camp is happy and we are ready for the game.”

Last season, the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford ended 0-0 and was a game of few chances.

Fernando Torres was dropped, Andre Schurrle played up front and Chelsea had no recognised centre-forward.

“On Sunday we go to win. If you give me one point, I don’t accept it,” Mourinho said.

“I want to fight for three points. But sometimes a point during a game is a positive result. Last year in the end we accepted the point as normal result.”

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