Liverpool have had a warning shot fired at them by the Manchester United hierarchy ahead of the New Year, with the traditional English rivals the top two in the Premier League standings heading into 2021.
Not since 2008/09 has there been a genuine race for the title between the clubs, and while many still consider Man City to be the biggest challenges to Liverpool this season, United have been on a good run of late.
United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has talked up the progress being made under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Norwegian having come under scrutiny on numerous occasions during his tenure to date.
But Woodward believes that United are on the right path towards competing with Liverpool again as early as this season given the position they find themselves in at the turn of the calendar year.
"There is much to be excited about on the pitch as Ole and the team head into the New Year competing strongly in the Premier League and with three cups still to pursue," said Woodward.
"The team's positive form has lifted all our spirits in recent weeks, winning seven and drawing two of our last nine domestic games.
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"There are many positive statistics showing the progress made under Ole in the past year. But they tell only part of the story.
"Just as important is the work we see being done behind the scenes to build a winning culture consistent with the club's traditions of attacking football played by youthful, hard-working teams fusing homegrown talent with top-class recruits.
"We are getting closer to [competing at the top of the Premier League table] as the squad continues to develop following the arrivals of Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani."
Liverpool host Manchester United on January 17 at Anfield, with United facing Burnley a few days before which is their game in hand.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Old Trafford side preferred to play their game in hand against Burnley before the heavyweight clash.
The reported feeling in the dressing room is, should United win their game in hand, they would draw level on points with Liverpool and put pressure on the Reds ahead of their showdown.
Liverpool are currently leading the way at the top of the Premier League table by three points.
The Reds, though, have a superior goal difference having scored six goals more and conceded three goals fewer.
Woodward added: "As always, our priority is to win trophies and, with the team going into the New Year competing on four fronts, we are optimistic about the path ahead in 2021."
Jurgen Klopp's men face Ralph Hasenhuttl's Saints in the Premier League next on Monday night in their only other league match before they face United.
Liverpool also have an FA Cup tie with Aston Villa to play in that period.
