Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has welcomed what he considers to be a difficult draw for the Europa League group stage.

United were pitted against Feyenoord, Fenerbahce and FC Zorya Luhansk in a tough-looking Group A during Friday's draw in Monaco.

Mourinho, however, says the chance to face some major European sides will go some way towards making up for United's failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.

"It's good for us because we think we're in the Champions League. There are very similar groups in the Champions League," he said.

"We know it's difficult but I think it's good. It's good for those who maybe weren't looking forward to Thursday nights at Old Trafford.

"It's good for the competition, which doesn't have the glamour of the Champions League, that Manchester United are playing against clubs of the history of Feyenoord and Fenerbahce. It's big to play in Rotterdam, Istanbul."