Manchester United moan about Christmas fixture list by publishing research on their own website: 'We have harder time than rivals at the top of the table'

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Manchester United have posted a story on their website bemoaning the toughness of their festive schedule.

In a move widely mocked on social media, the club say they have carried out research that shows the Old Trafford outfit have 'a harder time of it than our rivals towards the top of the table'.

The story points out that United have just six non-matchdays over the period and states that no club has fewer. London trio Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham, it states, 'can boast three more'.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is preparing his side for busy Christmas period

United have posted a story on their website bemoaning the toughness of their festive schedule

The piece also bemoans the fact that Chelsea's games are 'nicely spaced out to give them a total of eight days between games,' and adds: 'Liverpool and Manchester City have seven'.

'The reigning champions have three days between their second and third games,' it continues, 'unlike the one to be experienced by United and 14 other Premier League sides.  

'A short trip to Arsenal on 3 January gives the Blues and the Gunners a little more grace.

'All 20 top-flight clubs are faced with taxing schedules but our research shows that Manchester United have a harder time of it than our rivals towards the top of the table.'

Readers are warned not to expect a let-up for United in January — 'if we progress in the cup competitions, with the Derby County game in the FA Cup third round now scheduled for the Friday after the Toffees test on the Monday'.

It ends: 'It's the price of success, in many respects, but it all means Jose will have to juggle his resources accordingly in order to deal with such an exhausting programme.' 

Article bemoans fact that Chelsea's games are 'nicely spaced out' to give them more days off

Fans are gearing up to watch their team vs Leicester this Saturday before they play Burnley

United are preparing for their visit to Leicester City this Saturday before hosting high-flying Burnley on Boxing Day.

They have another home match on December 30, welcoming Southampton to Old Trafford, before playing Everton at Goodison Park on New Year's Day. 

Mourinho famously claimed he does not complain about injuries. It would appear that his website team have a different attitude towards the fixture computer. 

Mourinho will have one less competition to worry about following their Carabao Cup exit