Man Utd Premier League champions 2019? Mourinho backed by Alenichev to deliver title

Jose Mourinho will deliver Premier League title success at Manchester United, potentially as early as 2019, says Dmitri Alenichev.

The Red Devils turned to a proven winner in 2016 after enduring a humbling fall from grace in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Three trophies were secured during a productive debut campaign under the Portuguese, but restoring domestic dominance in the English top-flight remains the ultimate target.

Arch-rivals Manchester City appear set to prolong that wait in 2018, but Alenichev expects Mourinho to see out a long-term project at Old Trafford and meet the demands of an expectant fan base.

A man who tasted UEFA Cup and Champions League success under the 55-year-old at Porto told RT Sport: “If I am honest, yes, I think [Mourinho] will stay at United for at least another three years. He is the kind of manager that Manchester United need, he is indispensable to them.

“Currently Manchester City are outdoing every team in the Premier League. But I think if Mourinho stays – the club hierarchy can decide that – if he stays, then even as soon as next year Man United have a real chance of becoming Premier League champions.”

While being tipped to conquer the Premier League for a fourth time, Mourinho may find the going a little tougher in Europe.

United have returned to Champions League competition this season, but their manager will need to produce something special if he is to repeat his past successes at Porto and Inter.

“Maybe the favorites will be more Real Madrid, or Manchester City, or Barcelona,” added Alenichev.

“I wouldn’t put United first in the list of favourites to win the Champions League, but in football all sorts of surprises get thrown up. Who knows, maybe even United can win it.”

United are through to the last-16 stage of the Champions League, where they will meet La Liga side Sevilla, but there are a number of European heavyweights still in contention for the 2018 crown.