Jose Mourinho claims Liverpool are “luckier” than his Manchester United side when it comes to the Premier League fixture list.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a positive opening to the 2017-18 campaign, with nine games negotiated in all competitions without defeat.
Their efforts in the Premier League have delivered 16 points – five more than Liverpool – while they have also progressed in the Carabao Cup and collected two wins in the Champions League.
United will, however, be back in action on Saturday following a midweek trip to Moscow and Mourinho admits that top-flight scheduling is doing his side few favours.
The Portuguese told reporters following a 4-1 victory over CSKA: “We have a game on Saturday.
“Liverpool are luckier than us, they play Tuesday and Sunday, we have to play on Wednesday and on Saturday at 3pm. So I think it’s normal, a little bit of relaxation.”
While conceding that his side took their foot off the gas a little in Russia, Mourinho was pleased to see no repeat of the “PlayStation football” he accused his side of playing when in control of a previous Champions League clash with Basel.
He added: “I didn’t see that as much, just a little bit of relaxation, a reaction by the home team with the normal pride to try to score, to try to have a different result and we just relaxed a little bit.
“We had a couple of good chances but I think it’s normal.
“I think we made it look easy. We started so strongly, I think we surprised them with our attitude and we were really strong. We killed the game.
“They didn’t look as good as they are, but I think because of us.”
United will welcome Crystal Palace on Old Trafford this weekend looking to stretch their unbeaten run and cement a standing among the early Premier League pacesetters – with only goal difference keeping them off top spot at present.