Liverpool midfielder James Milner has recognised the threat posed by Manchester United in this season's Premier League title chase.
Jurgen Klopp's reigning champions ended 2020 on top of the table - but only three points behind second-placed United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men also have a game in hand - and can go level points with their rivals if they beat Aston Villa tonight (Friday, January 1, 8pm kick-off).
Liverpool rounded off their year with a goalless draw at Newcastle United, while United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Marcus Rashford.
That result extended their unbeaten league run to nine games - seven wins and two draws.
Milner was happy to go into 2021 at the summit, though admitted the title race remained wide open.
"I think it's a positive but it seems to be at this moment in time that nobody wants to take it by the scruff of the neck," the former Manchester City man told Liverpool's official website.
"We've dropped points, everyone seems to be dropping points.
"United have had a good run and they're probably the only team who are putting a run together.
"It's important that we need to kick on now and try to get a few three-pointers."
Liverpool are back in action on Monday night (January 4) when they visit Southampton as football continues amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Klopp welcomed back midfielder Thiago Alcantara against the Magpies and Milner believes his return can give Liverpool the edge in the title race against United.
"The amount of minutes some of the lads have played, it's nice to see a few of the boys getting back – obviously Thiago getting on today and showing his quality," he said.
"We'll stick together, we'll keep plugging away and we just need to get that final piece of the puzzle right.
"I thought it was a good performance (against Newcastle), we just needed that final bit to get the goals.
"If we keep playing like that, hopefully we can go on a run and put some more points on the board."
