WATCH - Steven Gerrard's verdict on Manchester United's title hopes...this was not easy for him

Back-to-back 4-0 wins against West Ham and Swansea have seen United installed as strong contenders to lift the club's first Premier League title since 2013, with Gerrard admitting progress has been made for Mourinho's team.

Anfield icon Gerrard may have been speaking through gritted teeth as he offered up these comments that confirmed he expects Mourinho's men to be title contenders this season.

"If Manchester United keep turning out results like that, there is no doubt about it they will be involved and be in the mix," declared Mourinho.

"These are the (smaller) teams that over the last three years or so they have slipped up against, struggled against, stupid results.

"The signings he made really compliment the people he already had there. (Paul) Pogba has had a lift, (Juan) Mata steadies the ship and puts all the fires out. They are looking good.

"You know in the big games Mourinho will have a gameplan. He is a serial winner and produces teams and sets them up to win games.

Gerrard has long been an admirer of Mourinho, who tried to sign him on several occasions during spells at Chelsea and Real Madrid and he believes the three-time Premier League winner is back in title contention this season.

"You are aware that he is a top class manager and that he will be there or there abouts when he competes for trophies," added Gerrard.

"If he goes in an takes over a team, you know it is going to be a matter of time before he builds something. He is good at identifying where teams are weak and he is very good in the transfer market.

"United were still finding the right balance last season, but they seem to have found it now. They have a squad that can compete for the title, but they can still improve in certain areas.

"They need a top class left back and I'm not sure about their centre-back pairing, but they have started well."