Jose Mourinho runs the rule over Man United’s season so far

Jose Mourinho is backing Manchester United to enjoy a successful end to the season under new manager Louis van Gaal.

The Red Devils slumped to a 2-1 defeat by Swansea City on Saturday as they dropped down to fourth place in the Premier League table.

Louis will have his time to make Manchester United a team with titles again

Jose Mourinho

United’s primary aim this season is to qualify for the 2015/16 Champions League campaign after their dismal seventh-placed finish in the English top flight last term.

Van Gaal’s side are also through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Arsenal next month.

And Mourinho, whose Chelsea side are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, is confident that Van Gaal will end his first season at Old Trafford in a successful way.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday, Mourinho said: “He’s a fantastic coach, and it’s easy for me to say because I know him so well, but he’s a fantastic person.

“So many years of career until he comes to England and probably in the same way a player needs to adapt, needs to understand things to perform at the highest level, with us [managers it] happens a little bit of the same.”

He continued: “I think Louis will have his time to make Manchester United a team with titles again.

“This season they still have the chance to do it with the FA Cup and still have everything open to finish top four and go back to the Champions League, which is the minimum for a club like Man United.”

United’s next game is a home clash with Sunderland in the Premier League at Old Trafford next Saturday.