Manchester United in ‘false position’ at top of the table, says former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer

‘When the big occasion comes, can Manchester United actually do it?’

(Getty Images)

Manchester United are enjoying a "false position" at the top of the Premier League table and will not be able to sustain their title charge, claims former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side moved three points clear of Liverpool at the top with a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Tuesday night and they now travel to Anfield to face the defending champions on Sunday.

“As far as Manchester United sitting top of the table, I do think it’s a false position,” McAteer told Sky Sports. “Burnley gave them a tough game but they came through it and showed a bit of resilience. There is a bit of team spirit coming at Manchester United.

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“But Ole hasn’t dealt with what other teams have dealt with, in terms of a lot of injuries this season. He’s had a lot of players to pick from.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer congratulates his players (Getty Images)

United are enjoying a terrific run of form and are now unbeaten in their last 15 league matches - a record stretching back to their visit to Anfield in January 2020.

McAteer is confirmed his former club will show their superiority again this weekend and expects Manchester City to prove Liverpool's greatest challengers.

“Come the end of the season, I think Liverpool and Manchester City will be fighting it out. I think Manchester United will drop off,” added McAteer.

“When you look at their results, when they have played the likes of RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Arsenal, they haven’t come through those games.

“It just tells me, when the big occasion comes, can Manchester United actually do it?”