Sean Dyche expects 'super strong' Manchester United to challenge
Thursday 27 October 2016 17:11, UK
Sean Dyche expects Saturday's opponents Manchester United to challenge this season despite the "noise" over their recent form.
Last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Chelsea left United six points off top spot in the Premier League, although they have since beaten neighbours Manchester City in the EFL Cup.
But Dyche - once dubbed the 'Ginger Mourinho' by Burnley supporters - has backed the Portuguese to make a success of the United job in the long-term.
"For all the noise that's been made about the ups and downs of Manchester United over the past couple of weeks they're still a fine side," Dyche said. "I look at the manager, the club, the players they've got and they're still a super strong group of people operating at the highest level.
"I'd be very surprised if this group of players is not still a very, very strong group and a group to be reckoned with over the course of the season."
Dyche celebrates four years in charge this weekend and says even the best managers need time to shape a side.
"No matter who you are it's still a challenge to get a new group and get it to operate how you want it to operate," Dyche added. "I think [Mourinho] will still be piecing together what his top team is and how he wants them to operate. I don't know him but I can imagine he's doing that.
"The players likewise, getting used to different ways of playing and training, different things he wants from them. Sometimes it's hand in glove and it happens very, very quickly, sometimes it doesn't.
"Look at Jurgen Klopp going into Liverpool, I don't think that was instant there. Antonio Conte three weeks ago was getting questioned, wins two big games - a big one against Manchester United - and the questions disappear.
"Pep Guardiola is being spoken about as being on his worst run in, probably, ever. He's still finding out how it works. These are top, top people with top players but I just think it takes time."
