Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has insisted that the Red Devils "have to win" the Europa League this season.

Mourinho led United to the 2016-17 Europa League title, which ensured that the club qualified for the 2017-18 Champions League despite their sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

The 56-year-old has suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to triumph in Europe's second competition to secure Champions League football for next season as "finishing in the top four would be a big achievement".

"Europa League, if you a team like Manchester United , you have to win," Mourinho told Sky Sports News. "In the Premier League, obviously the dressing room must feel that they can win the title. If they don't feel it, they are in trouble. But finishing in the top four would be a big achievement for them."

United opened their 2019-20 Premier League season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James all on the scoresheet for the 20-time English champions.

Next up for Solskjaer's side is a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 19, before welcoming Crystal Palace and travelling to Southampton in their two league games before the September international break.