MILNER SENSES UNITED THREAT
JAMES MILNER has warned his Liverpool team- mates that bitter rivals Manchester United pose a major threat to their Premier League crown. United
have marched into second spot and can go level on points with Jurgen Klopp’s champions at the top by beating Aston Villa tonight.
In- form United are on the back of a nine- game unbeaten run and are breathing down Liverpool’s necks. And with eyes already turning to the Anfield showdown
united
on January 17, Reds star Milner said: “United have had a good run
turn
and they’re the only team who are putting a run together. We’ve dropped points, everyone seems to be dropping points.”
United have not won the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. And Old Trafford executive vice- chairman Ed Woodward believes United can dethrone their bitter rivals to become champions this season.
Woodward believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is developing a winning culture and moulding a squad capable of launching a genuine challenge in the coming months.
Woodward said: “Ole and the team head into the new year competing strongly in the Premier League and in three cups.”
United’s season opener at Burnley, postponed because of the club’s involvement in the latter stages of the Europa League last season, will be played on January 12 at 8.15pm.
It means United could head into this month’s clash on Merseyside sitting top of the table, depending on Liverpool’s result against Southampton on Monday.
Meanwhile, United have triggered the one- year option in Jesse Lingard’s contract to ensure the out- of- favour midfielder does not leave for nothing next summer.