Liverpool legend John Barnes has issued a warning to Jurgen Klopp's side in their title defence, stating Manchester United are capable of snatching their crown.
Liverpool 's defeat against Southampton on Monday evening provided United with a huge boost, as they remain level on points with their arch-rivals but hold a game in hand.
United have surged up the table with a stellar run of results, enjoying a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City.
That has seen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side establish themselves as contenders in the hunt for the Premier League title and Barnes believes they are a danger to Liverpool's hopes.
"Manchester United have always had the potential to challenge for the title if you look at their players and given the quality of the squad this is where they should be," he told BonusBetCodes.co.uk
"The fact that there has always been question marks and problems over Ole and disunity, means that it is a surprise they are doing well in the league - especially after going out in the Champions League.
"They’re currently winning matches and playing well having previously picked up points without being at their best on the pitch - which is a sign of champions.
"Whether they can continue that will always be a big question, we’ve seen Manchester United play well in patches over the last couple of years but they will then drop stupid points.
"Liverpool just need to focus on winning their matches and hope the teams around them aren’t good enough to win their matches.
"Looking at how tight it is, you can’t forget Leicester or Tottenham, all of that will put pressure on the champions-elect, whether that is City or Liverpool.
"Liverpool can’t worry about what Manchester United are doing or how good they are. If wanting to finish ahead of Manchester United spurs Liverpool on then they could lose focus in playing other teams, they have to take every game as it comes, whoever it is and maintain their level of consistency.
"Manchester United being there shouldn’t put unnecessary pressure on Liverpool but if I had a choice, I would much rather it was Manchester City that won instead of United."
