2 weeks ago
43
Dion Dublin has cautioned Liverpool that his former club, Manchester United, is "due" a significant victory that could transform the team's season ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Anfield.
"Liverpool watch out - it is going to be a close one," declared the BBC pundit. However, the former England striker still expects Arne Slot's players to successfully defend their Premier League crown in what promises to be a competitive title race this term.
The Reds welcome their rivals following a sequence of three straight losses prior to the international interval. Despite co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's public endorsement of Ruben Amorim, United languish in 10th position without a single away triumph this campaign as the Portuguese manager nears his first year in charge next month.
Yet since that devastating 7-0 Anfield mauling under Erik ten Hag in March 2023, the Old Trafford team has secured draws in its previous two visits to Liverpool.
"This is one of one of two or three games in the season which just level out," Dublin told Mirror Football at the CUPRA Pro Am Padel Tour National Final at Canary Wharf, London.
"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. 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."
United ended up 15th last season and has already endured a mortifying loss to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup during this campaign. "Man United have to be in the top four - that is it," Dublin continued. "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.
"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 championship battle remains wide open with Liverpool, who began its Premier League title defence with five straight victories, being overtaken at the summit by Arsenal before the international break.
The leading pair were the heaviest spenders during the summer transfer window, but Dublin doesn't envisage a two-horse contest.
"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."
CUPRA is the proud sponsor of the Pro Am Padel Tour 2025. For more information visit www.cupraofficial.co.uk
English (US) ·