Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Manchester United Are In Danger Of Blowing Title Race, Says Liverpool Legend Phil Thompson


Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes that Manchester United are in real danger of blowing the title.

The former Anfield No.2 says Liverpool can still win the Premier League after their thumping win at Old Trafford showed United have "chinks in their armour".

Thompson insists United have no chance of winning the Quintuple and says Liverpool have an easier run-in, giving Rafa Benitez a genuine chance of clawing back Sir Alex Ferguson's lead at the top.

Thompson said: "It was comfortable. Sir Alex was right when he said it was not a 4-1 defeat, it wasn't - maybe it was only 3-1.

"Liverpool have had two wins over United and beaten Chelsea. It's been fantastic and now we just have to get our home form sorted out.

"But it gives not only Liverpool the chance to say 'we have got a small chance of winning the title' but everybody else as well because Manchester United look as though they are cracking up. You look at it from a professional point of view and it was the things that happened in the Inter Milan game.

"Defensively, United have been so strong but there were chinks in the armour in midweek against Inter and I think those frailties were there then and that's what sets doubts.

"That maybe leaves you thinking 'well, maybe these things add up' and Sir Alex will have been looking at that and Liverpool took full advantage.

"They were hot. There was a love - in with Fernando Torres.

"Manchester United are an excellent side but just looking at what's happened in the past week gives a glimmer of hope to, dare I say it, Chelsea, and definitely Liverpool.

"We've got Aston Villa next week then after that the last eight games are extremely kind to Liverpool.

"Yes, we've got Arsenal at home but it's fantastic and if things can just change a little, Liverpool can win their games and take advantage.

"But it's those home games against the lesser teams - Liverpool have got to take advantage.

"When the teams see the 'This is Anfield' sign, they should know that they are going to be put under pressure from the first second, let alone the first minute, and that's what they have got to do."

Thompson has called on Liverpool boss Benitez to sign a new contract after weeks of stalling and he claims that boost could push his former club over the finishing line.

Thompson told talk-SPORT: "I've said it for quite a while but it would be extremely difficult for United to win them all.

"I don't think you can win all five and that's not with my red nose on.

"It will be a tall order for Liverpool now but that's why they had to win at Old Trafford and it's given them a glimmer of hope.

Manchester United are still in the box seat and it's theirs to lose.

"But Rafa has had a fantastic week and wouldn't it be great if, seven days on from the win over Real Madrid, for him to sign his contract.

"I think and I hope that he will sign. But he should get it done and let common sense prevail.

"Yes, it's his contract but this is Liverpool Football Club and he needs to do it ASAP."

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