PETR CECH has refused to write off Jose Mourinho's Manchester United as Premier League title contenders.
The Arsenal goalkeeper knows Jose Mourinho well having won three titles under him during his time at Chelsea.
Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea in December, has endured a difficult start to life at Manchester United - with the club sitting seventh in the Premier League after losing three of their opening nine games.
But Cech, 34, believes it is dangerous to disregard United as contenders for the crown given Mourinho's vast experience and the players he has at his disposal.
The Red Devils sit six points behind the Gunners in the standing ahead of their clash with Burnley tomorrow (3pm), but Cech knows Mourinho will do everything to find a successful formula and force United into contention.
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“I still count them as a title contender, even if they are a little behind now, because it is a long-term competition and I know the manager very well," Cech told talkSPORT.
“He will do everything to make sure, if they can, that they can close the gap and as their opponent we need to make sure we don’t give them the chance.
“He spent a lot of money [in the summer]. They bought the players he wanted so it is how well they find a way to compete and put it on the pitch.”
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal meet United in the Premier League on November 19 in what could prove to be a crucial fixture in the race for the title.