Paul Scholes has warned Manchester United that they will find themselves "four down by half-time" if they repeat their first-half performance against Atalanta when Liverpool visit on Sunday.
Scholes made the prediction after watching United battle back from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 win over the Italian side in the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
United found themselves 2-0 down at half-time and sitting bottom of Group F, with goals from Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral putting Atalanta in control.
However, second-half goals from Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo turned the game on its head, with the latter netting a late winner with an excellent header. Nevertheless, United's performance in the opening 45 minutes was of great concern, with their 4-2-4 system leaving them exposed to danger.
With that in mind, former United man Scholes, despite praising the Reds' fighting spirit, was sure to fire a word of warning amid the celebrations as the club prepare to welcome unbeaten Liverpool to Old Trafford.
"You celebrate every win but the first half really worried me," Scholes told BT Sport. "People are going to say I’m miserable, and maybe I’m going to be slagged off by United fans, but I looked at that game thinking about the Liverpool game.
"That first half, United had two midfielders playing on their own and if they do that against Liverpool and City they’ll be four down by half-time.
"Yes, it’s great seeing the excitement and them attacking. It’s brilliant, but that first half has stuck with me. They’ve come back with great spirit but they conceded so many chances, and if you’re playing against quality players there’s no way you can win that game.
"People will get carried away but will he play that way on Sunday? Go and do that on Sunday and see what happens.
"Jurgen Klopp will be rubbing his hands together."
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