Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is targeting the second half of the season to build on the team’s recent improvement and launch a serious Premier League challenge.
United seem to be finding a groove and are now unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham.
Although handicapped by a series of early draws, they improved their prospects with successive victories over Spurs and Crystal Palace and will make up further ground if they win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
“Half-way through the race is not until Dec. 31, and I would say for the first half of the race it would be almost impossible to be in the top four,” Mourinho told reporters on Friday.
“But, one thing is to be 15 points from the top four, another is to be five points from the top four.
“What we have to try to do in these three remaining matches (in December) is be in a position that gives us a chance in the second part of the season.
“We are playing really well. If we can transform performances into results, we have a chance.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in outstanding form and has scored eight goals in eight games, including the late winner at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
“He is doing phenomenal,” Mourinho said.”Tomorrow is a last effort, then a week without football. They need it, especially him. In some positions you can protect yourself. As a striker it is impossible to hide.”
After Saturday’s game, United do not play again until Boxing Day, and have home matches that week against strugglers Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
Looking beyond that, Mourinho said he was not desperate to sign anyone in the January transfer window.
“I like my squad, I trust my squad,” he said.
England defender Chris Smalling is back in contention for the first time since the end of October and although Eric Bailly cannot play against West Brom his injury is not serious.
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