Jose Mourinho admits he could do without the Carabao Cup (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has suggested clubs playing in Europe might be better off if not for the added distraction of the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils strolled into the fourth round with a 4-1 win over Burton at Old Trafford last night, but Mourinho admits the extra games could hinder his team in the Champions League.

United won the cup just last season, with Mourinho recently hailing the importance of getting that winning feeling back at the club, but no longer seems to see it as a big priority.

However, he insisted the competition remains important to him and the club and told his players to show respect to whatever opponents they come up against.

Mourinho is concerned by his side’s prospects in Europe (Picture: Getty)

‘If you ask me “could English football survive or be even be better without this competition?” Maybe,’ Mourinho told BBC 5 Live.

‘Maybe we would be fresher for European competition.’

He added: ‘If the competition is an official competition then it is important for Manchester United and for me as a manager.

United enjoyed a comfortable win over Burton last night (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures

Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2

‘I want the players to think the same way. We have this competition, we have to respect the sponsors, we have to respect the opponents and a lot of us are trying to do our best.

‘If we can win it, we win it. If we don’t win it it’s because the opponents are better than us.’

United were drawn away to Swansea City for the fourth round of the cup, and all eyes will be on Mourinho’s team selection to see if he really intends to take this trophy seriously.

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