Manchester United “can win the Champions League”

Manchester United defender Ashley Young says United are capable of winning the Champions League this season.

The Red Devils resolute defence and attacking options make Young believe Champions League glory is realistic this season and they should not be written off as the race for the Premier League top four continues.

For the first time since 2013-14, the three-time European champions are back in the knockout phase of the European competition and Jose Mourinho is keen to add to the clubs illustrious trophy haul this term.

United still have a last-16 clash against Sevilla to negotiate, yet there is already half an eye on the UEFA Champions League Final In Kiev this May.

Having lifted the Europa League last year, Young sees no reason why United cannot repeat their European exploits and challenge for the Champions League this time round. All five English sides still have a strong chance of progressing to the last eight and Young rates his sides chances.

He said: "Of course we can win the Champions League. You don't enter a competition not to win it. That's what we will be looking to do and take each game as it comes.”

Their city rivals remain the favourites to win the competition as they remain on course to win a historic treble under Pep Guardiola this season following their recent Carabao Cup success.

Confidence is high at Old Trafford and they will be buoyed by their victory over Chelsea last weekend ahead of a crucial few games which could determine the outcome of the season. Mourinho spoke after their win at the weekend. He said: "We have four fantastic matches at home, Chelsea, Liverpool, Sevilla knockout and Brighton knockout and it's a good way to start this run with a crucial victory, it gives us a little more confidence." Buy your Manchester United tickets now!

United may accept that the Premier League title will be heading to Manchester City, but Jose is the European master tactitian and his side still remain on course for both FA Cup success and a top four finish in what could still be another trophy laden campaign.

Simply, the Champions League is Jose Mourinho’s competition as he looks to conquer Europe with his third different side following triumphs with both Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010.

Having failed to qualify for European football’s greatest prize in two of the last four seasons, United could unexpectedly find themselves guests at the top table once more. Both of Mourinho’s Champions League triumphs have came when his sides have been underdogs. United only qualified for the Champions League as a result of their Europa League triumph after missing out on the top four and the role of underdog could bear fruit once more in Kiev for United.