Jose backs United for title boost

Updated 09.07 Tue Apr 10 2007

Keywords: Chelsea, Manchester United, Valencia, Rome, Jose Mourinho, Premiership, Champions League, football, sport

Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to overcome AS Roma and book their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League because he believes it could boost the Blues' hopes of sealing a Premiership title hat-trick.

Mourinho's men cranked up the heat on the Red Devils during the Easter weekend as they moved to within just three points of the leaders following their 1-0 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

"I would love them to progress to the semi-finals. Why? Because I want them to play in the semi-finals - it is two more matches for them" - Jose Mourinho

And the Portuguese believes a continued run in Europe would put Sir Alex Ferguson's resources under yet more pressure as the domestic title race reaches its climax.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Valencia, he said: "I have two big matches to play before I go back to the Premiership - Valencia in the Champions League and Blackburn in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

"So I don't want to spend my time, energy and focus on the Premiership. The only thing I can say is that tonight - and it is with no disrespect to Roma, I have nothing against them or Italian clubs - but I would love Manchester United to win.

"I would love them to progress to the semi-finals. Why? Because I want them to play in the semi-finals - it is two more matches for them."