Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho backs rivals Sheffield United and Wolves as genuine Champions League contenders

Mourinho made the claim after United moved to fifth in the Premier League table, and just two points behind Chelsea in fourth, after Sunday’s 2-1 win over AFC Bournemouth.

Both Frank Lampard’s men and Mourinho’s Spurs still have to visit Bramall Lane before the end of the season; as do Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolves, who are four points behind United in ninth.

Wolves, Manchester United (eighth), Spurs (sixth) and Chelsea all have a game in hand over United, who are currently in Dubai on their winter break.

And Mourinho said: “Wolves and Sheffield [United], they're fighting for the top four. They can say no, and I'd understand if they say no, but the reality is that they are.

“And that's not just because of where they are in the table; it's because of the power and the quality. They're in a situation where, in the eyes of everybody, they should be more than happy, but they are not more than happy.

“Wolves bought important players to improve their situation, Sheffield bought an important player and beat the record of their market to try and improve their team.

“So it's not just about Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton... it's also about these two clubs that, I have to say, are fantastic.”