Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has backed Jose Mourinho to "turn things around" at Manchester United.

Mourinho brought Essien to Chelsea in 2005 and also took the midfielder on loan at Real Madrid during his time in charge of the Spanish giants.

The 55-year-old has come in for criticism this term, with United making their worst start to a league season in 29 years.

Essien, however, has insisted that Mourinho will lead the Red Devils to more silverware, having already secured three trophies since arriving at Old Trafford.

"As a player, he had a very big influence on me. He was the one who brought me to Chelsea and he took me with him to Madrid to play under him," Sky Sports News quotes Essien as saying.

"There is such a great relationship between us. He is just a great manager and I know that he has been having a bit of a tough time in Manchester, but knowing him I think he is going to turn it around. I am backing him because I am still going to be his No.1 fan!

"I have to back him to turn things around and it is a difficult situation but I am sure that he can do it. You know that when you play under Mourinho, you know you are going to win titles. He has been at United for two or three years now and he has been winning trophies.

"This season seems a bit difficult now but the season is still long and they still have a lot of competitions to play."

United will visit Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.