Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed his admiration for Burnley’s exploits this season and insists they deserve the right to fight for a place in Europe.

Burnley have been the surprise package in the Premier League this season and they head into their Boxing Day clash with United sitting seventh in the table.

The Clarets are just three points shy of fourth-placed Liverpool after 19 outings and they are edging closer to their initial target of 40 points.

Manchester United will host Burnley at Old Trafford on Tuesday as they look to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday.

Mourinho has praised Burnley’s achievements at the midway point of the term and feels they are capable of finishing in the top-six.

“It’s great [Burnley’s form]. If survival was the objective, I think the objective is in the pocket, it’s totally under control,” Mourinho said.

“If the objective is to finish top ten, they will do it. If the objective is to fight for European positions, they are there so they have the right to fight, so it’ll be a difficult opponent.

“If you compare what they are doing with the initial objectives, it’s a very good season.”

Burnley are priced at 13.00 to claim three points when they head to Old Trafford, while United can be backed at 1.25 to come out on top, and the draw is available at 6.00.