Martin Keown sends ‘confidence’ warning to Man Utd ahead of Liverpool clash

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has sent a warning to Manchester United over their confidence heading into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

It has been a brilliant few weeks for United, who have surged into the top four, won the Carabao Cup and beaten Barcelona to progress in the Europa League. But on Sunday, they face a huge test against a Liverpool side desperate to make up ground on the top four after a frustrating season so far.

The Reds are slowly putting their season back together, now within six points of the top four with a game in hand, and there is huge pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s men heading into this one. The same can’t be said of United, who head into this one in excellent form and full of confidence.

But Keown believes Liverpool having more on the line could help them at Anfield this Sunday. “I just think this is a great game for Liverpool because they can try and put their season right in almost one game here,” Keown said on talkSPORT.

“Liverpool haven’t been great this season, they’re in a temporary blip I think, but look what they’ve done in recent years. Maybe there was a bit of burn-out there but they’ve had a good rest and a good look at this fixture. I think they’re going to be in really good form on Sunday.

“The atmosphere in that stadium will be incredible. Liverpool beat Wolves last time out, they drew to Crystal Palace away, they beat Newcastle and Everton… they’re on a little run and this is a huge game for them. Manchester United think they’re coming back and there’s a lot of confidence there, but this is so new to them that I don’t think they can be that confident of going there and winning at Anfield.”