Jose Mourinho has insisted that Manchester United have already proved they are a better team than last season, as they prepare for their first major test of the campaign.

The Red Devils have been in fine form in the opening months of the campaign, winning nine and drawing one of their first 10 games since going down 2-1 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

United find themselves second in the Premier League table ahead of the eighth round of matches, but they have yet to face any of last term's top five.

Speaking ahead of Saturday lunchtime's trip to Anfield, however, Mourinho pointed out that it was against the lesser lights that his team often tended to struggle last time out.

"I think we are a better team [than we were]," he told Sky Sports News. "You can say, like some people do, we have not played one of the top five teams but last season we did not beat West Ham at home, last season we did not beat Everton at home or Southampton away.

"I think it would be unfair to say [Romelu] Lukaku and [Nemanja] Matic did not make an impact, we have to admit that and give them what they deserve. But also the team give Matic and Lukaku the conditions to arrive the way they have.

"Globally we are a better team, does that mean we are going to be as successful as last season, winning two titles? I don't know. But we are better."

United follow up their meeting against arch-rivals Liverpool by taking on Benfica in the Champions League and then Huddersfield Town on October 21.