Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he will be hoping for a positive result against Anderlecht in the Europa League to take back to Old Trafford for the second-leg next week.

The Red Devils are gearing up for the first-leg of the quarter-finals clash against Anderlecht, having beaten Ligue 1 side St Etienne in the previous round.

The Portuguese manager admits that United has to give their best performance to overcome a quality Anderlecht side but insists that the squad confidence is high ahead of the clash.

‘They are a good team and have a certain way of playing, adapted to the qualities of their players. They play well, press well and have talented players. I think we have to play at our best level,’ Mourinho told the Manchester United website.

‘We have that second leg as a possible protection, but tomorrow it’s important to play well – if we don’t we put ourselves in a difficult situation. When a team arrives at this stage of the competition, everyone feels it’s possible [to win it]. The motivation is high for everyone.’

Mourinho insists that the Red Devils are still fighting on two fronts to better their chance of qualifying for the Champions League but he is confident his side secure the European trophy.

‘We still have two open doors and my feeling is that we are really going to fight in both competitions. Honestly, I have a special feeling with the Europa League; it’s a competition we can win,’ he added.

‘It can give us the same as the top four, which is to play Champions League, but it can give us a title. But we are going to give everything, domestically and in Europe, to reach the Champions League.’

Manchester United against Anderlecht kicks off at 21:05.