Jose predicts tough season

JOSE MOURINHO has warned that Manchester United’s run of three wins in a row has not changed his view that it will be a difficult season for the club. United have eased talk of a crisis around Old Trafford with back-to-back Premier League victories over Burnley and Watford and a convincing Champions League win against Young Boys in Switzerland in midweek. But United boss Mourinho insisted: ‘For sure, a difficult season,’ ahead of today’s clash with Wolves at Old Trafford. ‘I don’t change that because we won two matches in the Premier League. You see the level of the teams. ‘You see the Liverpool squad, Manchester City squad, Chelsea squad, Tottenham squad, Arsenal improving. ‘It’s going to be difficult. ‘We are going to play better than we did, but I think it’s going to be a very difficult season. I am optimistic, but a difficult season, yes.’ Alexis Sanchez will replace Anthony Martial against Wolves even though Mourinho admitted the Chilean has yet to hit top form. He is also set to recall captain Antonio Valencia in place of Diogo Dalot despite the teenager’s impressive debut in Bern. ‘Playing for United is difficult enough for a kid of 19 coming from another country after an important injury and surgery,’ said Mourinho. ‘He doesn’t need to face more difficulty.’