Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool and Chelsea will struggle with their Champions League commitments next season.

Mourinho says United can improve on their sixth-placed finish last time out and finish top of the pile.

He insists: "There is one thing, this season is going be a little more balanced because of the fact the top six are all in European competitions.

"Not like last season, when Chelsea and Liverpool played all season one match per week, with all the others playing in Europeans competitions – especially us, playing in Europa League.

"Next season, six teams, and also Everton, are going to play in Europe and that is going to create a new situation for Chelsea and Liverpool."

Mourinho reckons the Blues had a big advantage last season because of their lesser workload.

He added: "I don't want to say it was 'key' because if I say that, I don't want to take credit from the credit that they (Chelsea) deserve.

"But obviously, to play one match per week and one, two or three days off during the week, have no injuries or no accumulation, the same with Liverpool, I think obviously it helps.

"Now they are going to face a different situation, but with the squad they have and the players they are signing, I think they are going to cope with it."