Premier League title out of reach for Mourinho and Man Utd – Xavi

The Old Trafford side are seventh in the standings, six points behind leaders Manchester City, and the ex-Barcelona star has urged the Red Devils to focus on winning elsewhere

The Premier League title is out of reach for Manchester United this season according to Xavi, who warned the club and manager Jose Mourinho to lower their expectations.

United’s title hopes took a blow on Sunday after they were humiliated 4-0 by Chelsea in Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge.

The embarrassing result left United seventh in the Premier League, six points adrift of table-topping Manchester City, whom they host in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

And former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has urged United to forget the title and instead set their sights on the EFL Cup as well as retaining the FA Cup.

“The domestic competitions have to be everything for United and Mourinho this season,” Xavi told the Mirror.

“I don’t think this season they can win the Premier League. These competitions are their hope for a trophy.

“Once Mourinho has had another transfer window, maybe they’ll be ready, but for now they must secure a finish in a Champions League spot – that’s where United belong.”

United renew hostilities with City in a midweek derby, having already suffered a 2-1 loss to their arch-rivals in the Premier League in September.

Pep Guardiola’s City head to Old Trafford in the midst of a five-game winless run in all competitions.

Xavi, however, believes his former boss will still lead City to Premier League glory in 2016-17.

“Both coaches are going to want to win this game,” added Xavi. “I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

“Pep will not be worrying, that’s not his way – but he will not have been happy with recent results – and a good win against the biggest rivals could put them on a good run again.

“Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him. Even with City dropping some points in the league, I still think under Pep they’ll be champions this season.”