Mourinho: Burnley in the mix for Europe
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists that Premier League surprise package Burnley are a genuine candidate for European qualification.
Sean Dyche's side sit three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool after 19 games, having accrued an impressive 32 points, just eight less than they claimed in the whole of last season.
Speaking to 'Sky Sports News' ahead of the Boxing day clash with the 'Clarets' at Old Trafford, Mourinho insisted that Burnley should be taken at their merits and not underestimated.
"It's great [Burnley's form]. If survival was the objective, I think the objective is in the pocket, it's totally under control," said Mourinho.
"If the objective is to finish top ten, they will do it. If the objective is to fight for European positions, they are there so they have the right to fight, so it'll be a difficult opponent.
"If you compare what they are doing with the initial objectives, it's a very good season."
Burnley are a well-drilled side under Dyche, with only United, Manchester City and Chelsea holding a better defensive record so far this campaign, something that the Portuguese is very much aware of going into the game.
"I think the record of goals conceded speaks for itself," Mourinho explained.
"They conceded three in the last one but before that they were really amazing so they defend very very well.
"Everybody knows the way they play, if you expect them to play creative beautiful football, they don't do that.
"But if you talk about direct objective, pragmatic and play with their strength, I think they are very very good.
"They've worked with the same manager for a few years now, I think the identification between the players, the style of play, the manager, the manager's ideas is very good, so what they do they do well."