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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk does not think Manchester United deserve to be any higher than they are in the Premier League table. Van Dijk admitted United have their qualities but believes they have vulnerabilities that the Reds could exploit on Sunday.

The champions, however, come into the game in a rough patch of form, having suffered three straight defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea before the international break.

The rare disappointing spell of form has only left Arne Slot's side one point off league leaders Arsenal, with victory over United keeping the pressure on Mikel Arteta's side. However, Ruben Amorim's team head into the showdown on the back of a 2-0 win over Sunderland - which saw them return to winning ways following a testing start.

United currently sit 10th in the Premier League table after three wins, but will be hoping to climb up the table to return to European football. Despite the recent win, Van Dijk has admitted his side is aware of the vulnerability at Old Trafford coming into the game.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "They made quality signings and they can hurt any team in the league, that's what they've been doing at times throughout the season. Like I said, it's a game that we have to be ready for whatever scenario, set-pieces or counter-attacks, we have to be ready."

Asked if United are better than their current standing in the Premier League table, Van Dijk was non-committal, adding: "At times, they've shown a lot of quality. But at times, they've shown vulnerability, and hopefully that's something we can exploit.

"We've been through phases, especially the years that I've been at the club, where we've felt we can have them and obviously we drew in the last two seasons. We played away and got knocked out of the FA Cup, which was pretty tough. They are always difficult, we have to be ready for the big fight." His comments perfectly encapsulate Amorim's current United side, who have shown plenty of inconsistency this season.

Van Dijk also admitted that Liverpool have to improve their performances if they are to end their winless run. "It's pretty clear that we have to improve, offensively, defensively, in possession, set-pieces but the matter of fact that in total, we won seven out of 10 and we still have so much to improve," he added.

"You can put it the other way and put into perspective that if we improve those things, it could be a very special season. We know how the world works, we know there's a lot of noise, analysis on certain things, it's down to us to focus on the target ahead."

Slot has also gone on record to concede that United have shown quality throughout the start of the season, despite their league position. Speaking in his press conference on Friday, he said: "I look forward to every single Premier League game but maybe even more towards the United one, because I know how special it is and I've experienced last season how special a game it is.

"We know that it's probably the game that's been watched the most all over the world. It's special to be part of it but in the end it's also a game where we have to be at our best, because United, in my opinion, has had a better start of the season than maybe the league table is showing.

"A very interesting game and a game to look forward to, especially because it's played at Anfield. I think our fans have been so supportive for us as long as I'm here and long before I was here.

"I think they understand that the team that has lost three times in a row, they need to be ready, our team, but I think our fans can help us and will help us on Sunday as well."

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