Thompson backs Jurgen’s champs to go on a run

PHIL THOMPSON has warned Manchester United that Liverpool still haven’t hit top gear this season.

They suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Southampton in their last Premier League outing and have now won only two in six top-flight games.

But Anfield legend Thompson (below) insists there is more to come from Jurgen

Klopp’s side.

“Liverpool aren’t anywhere near top form,” he said.

“They’ve sort of been going on at seven out of 10. This mini blip, is it surprising? Well, in a pandemic-ridden season,

I’d say maybe not.

“We’ve said so many teams could win the league. There was talk about Tottenham and Chelsea – now it’s United and Manchester City.

“Liverpool have always been up there without hitting their stride. “I think Liverpool, when they do hit form, can go

12 or 15 games unbeaten.”

The Reds’ campaign suffered a huge blow in October after Virgil van Dijk picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Merseyside derby.

And Thompson, a seventime title winner with Liverpool, believes Klopp should bring in cover this month.

“Liverpool have only got three centre-backs really,” he added. “Fabinho (left) has been terrific – but he is a holding midfielder.

“They need another central defender – and it has to be a good one who can come straight into the team. There is Dayot Upamecano at RB Leipzig, but would they let him go?

“That to me is where we should be pitching ourselves. Someone who is playing regularly and could slot straight in.”

And while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job looks safer than ever before, Thompson is adamant that the United boss isn’t in the clear yet.

He added: “I think that, like a lot of managers, he’s only a couple of bad results away from everybody talking again.”

Thompson was speaking on Paddy Power podcast ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’. Listen at: podfollow.com/ horsesmouth