Jose Mourinho targeting Europa League trophy to seal Champions League berth

Jose Mourinho the manager of Chelsea looks on during the Capital One Cup fourth round match between Stoke City and Chelsea at the Britannia Stadium on October 27, 2015 in Stoke on Trent, England.
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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admits that winning the Europa League is now a "target" for him because of the chance to qualify for the Champions League.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that winning the Europa League is now a "target" for him.

The Portuguese coach, whose side are competing in Europe's second-tier tournament this season, believes that the victor's prize of Champions League qualification has brought "new meaning" to the competition.

Mourinho told reporters on Wednesday: "My opinions change because the rules change and the Europa League winner qualifies for the Champions League. For the last couple of years the Europa League has new meaning for big teams.

"I don't change my opinion that big teams belong in the Champions League with the history, but the Europa League is a target because you can qualify for the Champions League."

United, who have claimed six points from their opening three fixtures in Group A, take on Fenerbahce on Thursday.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan in action for Manchester United against Hull City on August 27, 2016
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City107212491523
2Arsenal1072123101323
3Liverpool1072124131123
4Chelsea107122191222
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs10550145920
6Everton10532158718
7Watford104331413115
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd104331312115
9Southampton103431110113
10Bournemouth103341214-212
11Leicester CityLeicester103341216-412
12Stoke CityStoke103341217-512
13Crystal Palace103251416-211
14Burnley10325813-511
15Middlesbrough10244911-210
16West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom102441014-410
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham103161019-910
18Hull City10217823-157
19Swansea CitySwansea10127918-95
20Sunderland10028720-132