Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that the task in hand at Old Trafford is one of the biggest that he has faced during his managerial career.

The Portuguese coach has already made clear that he wants to develop a United side to compete both now and in the future, but his early work has so far only culminated in the Red Devils producing their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, despite signs of tactical progress being made on the pitch.

"When I went to Real Madrid, they had gone 25 years without a Spanish Cup and lots of years without a championship. Inter Milan were 50 years without a Champions League," said Mourinho, according to The Mirror.

"Those jobs were hard but at United, from a tactical point of view, I have never had so many contradictions before in my career.

"I am having to take the team in a totally different direction from the previous manager – and that is not a criticism of him. But I am ready for it. It is good fun, and I am very happy to do it."

United currently sit in sixth place in the league standings after collecting 20 points from 13 games.