Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has again admitted a title challenge next season will depend on Manchester City's transfer plans.

Champions City are 13 points clear of United – and on course to smash the Premier League points record of 95 set by Mourinho's Chelsea in 2004-05.

Asked if his club's recent form bodes well for next season, Mourinho said: “It depends what the direct opponents do.

"If they do the same number of points it will be almost impossible. If they get into the 90-something points it will be almost impossible.

“I was champion with Chelsea with 95 [points, in 2005]. That's the reason why we were champions three months before the end of the season — give no chance to the opponent.

“That's what Manchester City did [this season].

“We had periods of winning matches and waiting for them to lose a couple of points. They never did it.

“Even when they were almost losing points they managed to win against Bournemouth in minute 145 [Raheem Sterling scored their winner TEN minutes into added time ]! And some other matches where they won in minute 90-something.

“They were really, really, really strong. That's why there's no question in the country about who deserves to be champion."