Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has claimed he is aware of the possible mind games Jose Mourinho could have used ahead of Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

The Foxes will go into the Premier League clash in 11th place after an average start to the new campaign while United sit seventh after losing their last two league matches.

Mourinho was quick to criticise his team following their 3-1 defeat to Watford last weekend and was particularly upset with Luke Shaw’s display at left-back, but Ranieri believes that could work against his side this weekend.

The Italian insists Mourinho’s comments will have fired up the Red Devils ahead of kick-off as they look to build on their 3-1 EFL Cup win over Northampton.

Ranieri said: “Every manager has his book, sometimes you need to do this. Sometimes, maybe not here but at another team, also I push to provoke the reaction of the player.

There’s always a psychology. I don’t know what Jose did, so it’s difficult for me to say. Also, if I know, I don’t tell you!” Ranieri could be without goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford.

The former Leeds United and Notts County star suffered a muscle strain in training on Thursday and will be assessed before the game.

United are 1.67 favourites to win the match, with the draw priced at 3.80 while Ranieri’s men are the big outsiders at odds of 5.50.