Jose Mourinho says that Manchester United will make a stronger challenge for the Premier League title next season.
The Old Trafford side are sixth in the table with one fixture remaining against Cyrstal Palace this weekend. A top-four finish is now beyond them but with a Euorpa League final against Ajax still to come, they could still qualify for the Champions League next season.
The club has placed considerable expectation on this tie, with management saying Man United they 'do not expect two consecutive seasons of non-participation in the Champions League'.
Sitting 24 points behind League winners Chelsea, Mourinho concedes that United did not come close to competing for Premier League honours this year. But he believes that if they can take full advantage of the transfer window, and continue to evolve, they can contest for the title next year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the United boss said:
"If, in the next transfer window, we manage to be successful, I think we can (challenge for the title). The one that I really enjoy doing is the transition from the first to the second season because I know what I do, I know what I don't do.
"There is work to be done. The good thing is the club knows, the board knows, I know and we are together on this process.
"It was not the kind of club and team where you were ready to arrive and to go with everything and go direct to the big titles".
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