Pulis: Mourinho Will Fix United

West Brom boss Tony Pulis has backed Jose Mourinho to turn Saturday’s opponents Manchester United into genuine title contenders next season.

Despite breaking the world transfer record to sign Paul Pogba, United have had mixed fortunes in Mourinho's first season in charge and currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.

But Pulis feels there is plenty for United fans to feel encouraged about and predicts Mourinho's men will emerge as a force next season once they have strengthened further in the transfer market.

"I think they have got the right manager and they are going in the right direction," Pulis said.

"It looks as though Chelsea are going to run away with it this year but I wouldn't be betting against Manchester United next year.

"The thing with Mourinho is he knows how to win and he knows how to win at the top with big clubs.

"He has had a year this year of sorting things out but they are a very good side. On their day they are as good as anybody in the Premier League

"Next year, I am sure they will add to it again and they will be there or thereabouts."

Mourinho is shorthanded heading into Saturday's game at Old Trafford with a number of key players missing through injury and suspension.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are both out "long term" after sustaining injuries on international duty with England, while Pogba is sidelined with a hamstring injury he sustained against FC Rostov two weeks ago.

Leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Ander Herrera are both suspended while fatigue may be an issue for Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo on their return from South America but Pulis believes United have the depth to cope.

"If you look at United's squad, in fact at all the top-six clubs, they have some fantastic players," said Pulis.

"They're able to compete in all major competitions this year because they've got strong squads, they haven't just got 11 players. They've got 25 players, all internationals.

"If Jose gets a few injuries he can replace them with experienced internationals who have cost a lot of money, it'll still be a top team."

The Baggies have enjoyed a good record at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Goals from from Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino gave them a 2-1 victory when David Moyes was in charge at United and Albion earned a 1-0 success in 2015 when Chris Brunt's free-kick deflected in off Jonas Olsson.

Despite West Brom's good form and their recent record at Old Trafford, Pulis admits his side may need some luck to go their way if they are to make it three wins in four seasons.

"It's lovely to have that record - two of the last three - but we'll need a bit of fortune again. We'll need to play to our maximum and Manchester United need to be off it a little bit," said Pulis.

"Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't. We know we're playing against a club that are financially miles in front of us but you get games like that in this league and you still can manage to win games if it goes right for you."

Credit: Skysports.com