Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that last season's second-place finish ranks among his biggest achievements in football.

Mourinho has enjoyed a glittering managerial career which has seen him win 25 trophies, including two Champions League titles and eight top-flight crowns in four different countries.

The Portuguese also improved the Red Devils from sixth place to second place last term, although his side still finished a record 19 points adrift of champions Manchester City and were often criticised for a perceived negative style of play.

"My view is that first of all it is difficult for me to believe that we finished second when I listen, when I read - not much but sometimes I do," Mourinho told reporters.

"It is difficult to believe that we finished second because you are capable of making people that finish second look like they were relegated, and people who win nothing, finish below us, and you make them look like serial winners.

"So it's difficult for me to understand or to feel or to believe that we finished second, which I keep saying that I - and sometimes it's also difficult to believe - that I won eight championships and three Premier Leagues. But I keep saying and thinking and feeling that the second last season was one of my biggest achievements in the game."

United will begin the 2018-19 campaign at home to Leicester City on Friday night.