Dion Dublin warns Liverpool that Man Utd are "due" big win ahead of Anfield showdown

Dion Dublin has warned Liverpool that his Manchester United are "due" a big win that can change their season before the two rivals clash at Anfield on Sunday.

“ Liverpool watch out - it is going to be a close one,” said the BBC analyst. But the ex-England striker is still backing Arnie Slot’s side to defend their Premier League title in a tight race this season.

Liverpool host the Northwest derby after a run of three consecutive defeats before the international break. And despite co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing for Ruben Amorim, Manchester United remain in 10th place without an away win this season as the Portuguese coach approaches his first anniversary in the job next month.

But since the 7-0 Anfield humiliation under Erik ten Hag in March 2023, the Old Trafford club have drawn their last two away games at Liverpool.

And former Manchester United forward Dublin said: “This is one of one of two or three games in the season which just level out. We know that Liverpool have been better than Manchester United for many, many years. But this is a rivalry, it is tribalism - it could go either way. As an ex-Man United player, I want them to win the game.

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“They are due to have a very potent, winning game. Liverpool watch out - it is going to be a close one. Liverpool have lost their last three games - this is where they can be at their most dangerous because they may not be in their stride but they have got so many amazing, world-class players. If they turn it on, nobody can live with them. I am hoping they don’t turn it on. But if they do, it is going to be some game.”

Manchester United finished 15th last season and have already suffered a humiliating defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup in this campaign.

“Man United have to be in the top four - that is it,” added Dublin. “And that is a low estimate for Manchester United football club. They should be winning the Premier League, they should be getting into the Champions League every single year. Where they are right now, European football would be a good season.

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“If Man United win on Sunday, they will be in a better place mentally. I think there will be more harmony in the dressing room. Beating Liverpool for Man United has got to be the stepping stone where they need to go: ‘We have beaten one of the best teams in the world , never mind the Premier League. This is when we have to start turning it on’.”

The title race is open with Liverpool, who started their Premier League defence with five consecutive wins, getting overtaken at the top by Arsenal before the break. The top two were the biggest spenders over the summer but Dublin does not see a two-horse race.

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“It is a tough one to call,” added the Homes Under The Hammer presenter. “Hard to look past Liverpool, Arsenal have been outstanding yet again. Are they going to get over the line this time after going so close? Man City are now going to be a little bit angry because they have been out of the picture. They want to get silverware. Chelsea as well. So many sides. I think if Liverpool start to get in their stride, they could be hard to catch.”

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