Approaching the midway point of the season, it would be an incredible turnaround from the Portuguese boss to reinvigorate his fractured squad and outpoint two of the Big Six.
The 20-time league champions looked bereft of ideas to overcome table-toppers Liverpool, against whom they have maintained a good record in recent years.
Jurgen Klopp’s men showed the gulf between the two sides in their ball retention (64.5 per cent possession) and productivity (36 shots, of which 11 were on target).
I don’t think they’ve got any chance. I just don’t think they’re good enough.
Ray Parlour
In a frosty post-match interview on Sky Sports, Mourinho refuted suggestions that he could not lead his side to a Champions League spot.
“We can still finish fourth. It's not easy,” he said.
“For sure, for sure, we're going to finish in the top six like historically all the top teams.
“We can get the fourth position. Now we have to look to the fifth, and probably later the fourth.”
Jose Mourinho's side was downed by Xherdan Shaqiri's double (Image: Getty)
Former Gunners midfielder Parlour, who won three Premier League titles at Highbury, wholly disagrees with The Special One, however.
He told talkSPORT: “Jose was saying after the game they’ve still got every chance of getting in the top four, but I can’t believe he said that.
“I don’t think they’ve got any chance. I just don’t think they’re good enough.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Man United: It was 'hard to cope' against Liverpool says Mourinho