'' I knew United job would be hard '' - Jose Mourinho

Mourinho says he knew that being Manchester United manager would be a difficult job.

Expectations are high at Old Trafford and after a disappointing sixth-placed finish in Mourinho's first year in charge, United have improved in this campaign but are 11 points behind rivals Manchester City in the title race.

The United boss is no stranger to feeling the pressure with his previous roles at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea, all clubs where managers are expected to win trophies.

"I knew it wouldn't be an easy job," said Mourinho. "I had that experience before.

"You go to clubs with a huge history where people look to the history and not to the moment and the expectations are high but the job is difficult.

"I have had that experience with other clubs so nothing new for me."

Mourinho spent three seasons at Real Madrid and guided them to the La Liga title in 2012, after the club had gone four years without winning the league and the Portuguese says he has learned from his experience in Spain.

"When I went to Real Madrid, we were in a difficult moment. No league title for many years, no cup title for many years, not even a Champions League quarter-final for many years.

"It was hard but it was good and it was good for my development as a manager too."