Manchester United hero Sammy McIlroy is impressed by the power the current squad now boasts.

Mourinho has always liked having a strong spine to his successful teams and there appears no doubt that, when the going gets tough, United will be well equipped to deal with any physical challenges provided at home and abroad in 2017/18.

"It's a very strong, physical side and the new signings from the summer are big lads which is great for the Premier League," McIlroy told manutd.com. "Come the winter months, these lads will be strong, and it's good for both boxes too, scoring goals and keeping them out at the other end.

"When you're in that tunnel beforehand and you look over to your side and you see Manchester United today, we're very, very physical. It's as big a team as I can remember for United. I've just been looking back at Sir Alex's teams as well and he had Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Eric Cantona, Teddy Sheringham etc. They were all big lads but I think the side at the minute are that little bit bigger, stronger and more physical."