Manchester United: Jose Mourinho Believes This Is A 'Poisoned Gift'

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, Manchester, September 29. Mourinho described the fixture list as a "poisoned gift." Laurence Griffiths/Getty

Jose Mourinho has described the fixture list as a "poisoned gift" for Manchester United as the team prepares to face two Premier League giants.

Following the international break, Mourinho's side travels to both Liverpool and Chelsea in six days, with a Europa League tie against Fenerbahce sandwiched inbetween.

The Portuguese boss expressed his irritation at the Premier League's scheduling, which will see Manchester United travel to Anfield on Monday.

"We could play Liverpool on the Saturday, we could play Liverpool on the Sunday, but we play Liverpool on the Monday," Mourinho said.

"So maybe we don't have the best conditions especially because we play against two top Premier League teams that don't play in European competitions.

"We have this kind of poisoned gift of playing on the Monday that creates a very difficult situation, but we want to try to qualify for the next round."

Mourinho's team beat Zorya Luhansk 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night and faces Fenerbahce and former United striker Robin van Persie when they next compete in Europe.

"It's a long time to go, almost a month, but we want to try so we play against Fenerbahce with a team with the possibility to beat Fenerbahce," Mourinho added.

On Saturday, United faces Stoke City at Old Trafford looking to build on a 4-1 win over Leicester City last weekend.

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