Roy Keane has challenged Manchester United to convince him they are potential title winners by beating Liverpool at Anfield.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side head to Merseyside for the biggest clash between the two clubs in a decade, with United leading their arch-rivals by three points in the table.
Nobody has beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League for four years, whilst United's last victory came in 2016, thanks to a Wayne Rooney strike.
After defeat in three semi-finals last season and then losing in the last four of the Carabao Cup to Manchester City this season, Keane has reservations about United's performances in the biggest games.
“It’s been such a bizarre season, but if they win today then all of a sudden, you’ll have a different mindset [on their title credentials]," Keane told Sky Sports. "I’ve still got my doubts about United obviously, defensively and with the goalkeeper, but I’d be delighted if this team proved me wrong. It’s never easy for United to go to Anfield, whatever the situation is - with no supporters, injury problems, but they shouldn’t be fearful.
"I hope United turn up to have a go at them because as much as I’m worried about United’s defence, I think Liverpool have looked shaky recently and United have the players to hurt them. The last two or three days, you feel it, I still obviously live in Manchester. This game doesn’t need us to add to it.
"The only concern I have for United is, if we got back to last season, three semi-final defeats. Lost against Man City last week. In the big games, they have never quite done it. This United team, as brilliant as they have done, they haven't won the big games."
Gary Neville agreed, insisting United won't have a better chance to win against Liverpool than today, given the champions' problems at centre-back.
"Someone has to beat Liverpool here," Neville said. "It's been nearly four years since they lost a game here in the Premier League, which is an unbelievable run.
"If Manchester United have aspirations to win a title in the next 18 months, two years, they have to come here and win. Why not today? Will they ever get Liverpool at a weaker point in the centre of defence with their vulnerabilities?
"I think Liverpool will come out like animals but if you get through that, why would they not think they can score goals against this Liverpool defence?"
