Former Reds defender admits Jurgen Klopp will shine over his shoulder at rivals who have surrendered into the Premier League title mix.
Manchester United are a “concern” for Liverpool, says Steve Nicol, with the defensive champions aware that arch rivals are now breathing down their throats in the Premier League title race.
The last round of high-flying games, which was the last of 2020, brought different fortunes for two old foes.
United made sure to end the calendar year in style, with a late winner from Marcus Rashford seeing them on the edge of Wolves.
Liverpool could not reproduce that hard-fought success when they competed in a cagey tournament for themselves in Newcastle.
Jurgen Klopp’s side shook their lines at St James’ Park, with a 0-0 draw that they were able to collect on Tyneside.
That result was enough to keep three points clear at the top of the table, but United are now sitting in second place and boasting a game in hand on the defending champions.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been looking for a way to do the job this season, not always at their best, and Nicol believes those at Anfield will shine brightly. worry over the shoulder.
The former Reds defender said ESPN FC: “You look at the Liverpool result and the Man Utd result, the performance of one team that took control of the game, should have been very comfortable but nonetheless by one point and then you have a team in United coming up on the rails that pretty much deserved nothing.
“There is no way they deserve to win this game [against Wolves] but they win and get three points. So that must be a cause for concern.
“At the end of the day, Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp look at themselves, try not to look elsewhere, and just do the work. But you have to worry about United because no matter how they play right now, they get a win. ”
Liverpool’s positive difference means they will not be knocked out of the lead on New Year’s Day, when United will introduce a home date with Aston Villa, but their lead at the roof to disappear.
Klopp’s side will not take action again until Monday, when they will make the long journey south to face Southampton at St Mary’s.