CHELSEA MANAGER JOSE Mourinho says Manchester United cannot be ruled out of the title race despite currently lying eight points behind the Blues.

Louis van Gaal’s side are in fine form, having won their last six games in a row to move into third place in the Premier League table.

While the Red Devils are still some way behind both Chelsea and City, Mourinho says that with over half the season to go, the title race is still wide open.

“There is still a long time to go — not even 50% of league is played,” he told reporters. “People with less than 10 points difference are in the title race.”

Chelsea face Stoke City on Monday with Mourinho needing no reminding that the Blues lost 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium last season.

“Sometimes you play well and lose — other times you don’t play so well and win. Last season we played well against Stoke but made two mistakes that cost us the game,” he added.

“We might be getting results but we have to go there and play our game. We know their qualities and will have to adapt to it.

“If you know you will play against Peter Crouch and their defenders and if you don’t adapt you are in trouble. They are a good and a difficult side.”

Monday’s fixture kicks off a hectic festive schedule with Chelsea also set to face West Ham, Tottenham and Southampton but Mourinho says his side are all prepared.

“It is four matches in a short space of time but everyone is in the same situation. Some have easier fixtures but that is the draw and you can do nothing,” he explained.

“We have three away games against Stoke, Southampton and Spurs and a London derby but we are ready.”

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