The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the fiercest in football, and it is the latter who has been on top in recent years.

However, former United player Phil Neville thinks that the Red Devils are worried about the threat of the Merseyside outfit this season.

The 40-year-old has suggested that the Red Devils are so concerned about Liverpool that they switched up their January transfer plans.

It has been widely reported that Jose Mourinho will sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in the coming days.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger all but confirmed the news by telling reporters in a press conference on Thursday that a deal is "likely" to happen.

The arrival of the Chile international is sure to boost United, whose initial eight-point advantage over Liverpool in the Premier League table has since dropped to just three.

While speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Neville explained what he thinks has motivated United to get the deal done.

“I would have thought maybe a month ago Alexis Sanchez wouldn’t have come on the radar. All of a sudden, every now and again there comes a signing that you have to make, or if he’s available you have to try and make.

“Sanchez, because of the form of Liverpool in particular, I think it’s maybe hurried up the need for someone to come in and, not secure United’s second place, but actually give them a massive, massive boost. I think United will finish in the top four and in second place but the form of Liverpool must be a worry because they’re playing unbelievable at this moment in time."

Mourinho's side currently sit second in the table, 12 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/january-window.mp4