John Arne Riise is still sure Liverpool will finish above Manchester United depsite their early season struggles
Slot and Amorim (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
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Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise still expects his old club to finish above Manchester United despite their early-season issues.
Liverpool coasted to Premier League glory last season under new head coach Arne Slot and looked set for another strong campaign after spending £450 million in the summer on new players. However, they have failed to find their best so far.
The club are also dealing with a melodrama around star player Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the match day squad for the win over Inter after he said he felt 'thrown under the bus' after being dropped for the most recent fixtures.
United have been far from perfect and dont have European football to deal with this season, but they are sixth in the Premier League table. Thats two points and four places ahead of tenth place Liverpool.
Speaking to FootItalia (h/t Metro), Riise said he was still confident that Liverpool could turn things around.
"Im quite sure Liverpool will finish higher than Manchester United," he said. "Even though I have to say I do want United up there again, because we need Manchester United up there fighting for Champions League spots and stuff.
"I really want Ruben Amorim to do well as well because I think hes had a hard time since he came to the club and he still is quite stubborn.
"But yeah, Liverpool is going to finish above Man United, no question about that."
Liverpool were boosted by a big win in the Champions League at Inter, although progression in the Champions League means they will have more matches to contend with come the new year.
United are also still striving for the consistency needed to be a serious challenger for the Champions League places. The team performed well in the 4-1 win at rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, although recent poor results at Old Trafford against Everton and West Ham United have highlighted.
Although both teams have struggled at times this season, Riise revealed he does not take much satisfaction from seeing his former rivals on hard times.
"When I was playing for Liverpool, I wanted United to lose all their games, and we beat them all the time.
"Looking from the outside now, as a fan, I still want Liverpool to beat them every time they play them, and I have so many friends who support United.
"When they win, they all send me messages, but I never send them when Liverpool wins. But overall, I want United to do well because the league is better when theyre a strong team, and when they challenge."