The number of fixtures that Manchester United have played so far this campaign in comparison to their rivals has been highlighted as a major factor in their quest for Champions League football next season.

The injuries are piling up at Old Trafford, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata still out, while Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic may not play again until 2018 following serious knee damage.

Paul Pogba's injury meant Jose Mourinho had just 16 outfield players available for Thursday night's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, but feels the fact that there is still lots to play for in United's remaining games is inspiring his players.

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All still to play for at United

Ibrahimovic fired the Red Devils to EFL Cup glory back in February, they will play Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final next month, and in the Premier League, United sit three points behind third place Liverpool with two games in hand.

Man Utd's incredibly busy fixture list over the past few months has been well documented, and Mourinho has revealed what actions his men are taking to ensure they remain as fresh as they possibly can for the business end of the season.

How United stars are coping with busy run-in

The "Special One" said, via Manchester Evening News: "I think the fact that we are fighting for important things still, is a good motivation to keep people together, to make people make an extra effort and training sessions start at 3pm.

"I was here at 10:30am and when I arrived some players they were already here, taking care of little details and taking care of their recovery and going to the swimming pool and taking care of their body. That is motivation."

Mourinho also thinks that all of their problems have galvanised the spirit in United's dressing room, and has called on his squad to follow the example set by captain Wayne Rooney and last year's top goalscorer Anthony Martial.

Both forwards marked their return to the starting XI with goals at Burnley on Sunday, and the Man Utd manager claimed: "I think the boys that are available, I think that they have a great feeling, you know.

"They know that they are important, that they can be important (between now and the end of the season). Let’s follow the example of Wayne and Martial.

"They come to a game that we need really to win and they gave more than expected and Wayne - I didn’t think was possible to go for 90 minutes - and he did, so I think so."

Do YOU think Man Utd will finish in the top four and/or win the Europa League, or will they miss out on Champions League football next season? Leave YOUR opinion in the comments box below!