Fabinho hopes Manchester City's fortunes plummet like Manchester United's

Liverpool midfielder Fabinho admits their rivalry with Manchester United means it is difficult not to take some pleasure from their recent struggles – he just wishes Manchester City would experience similar troubles.

Monday's opponents have lost their opening two matches and head into the Old Trafford encounter against their arch-rivals bottom of the Premier League for the first time in more than 30 years.

Even though United finished five points ahead in second place in the 2020-21 season they have not been a genuine title contender since Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015.

Unlike City, with whom Liverpool have had some epic battles over the last four seasons.

"I think Man United is a really big team and has big money to invest as well so when a team like this is not successful, I think it is good for us because it is one less team that will fight for titles or to win championships," said a smiling Fabinho.

"I think this is good for us. If this happens with City as well I would be happy as it is one less team that will fight with us.

"Some clubs can always fight for the top of the league or winning a championship and I think Man Utd is one of the teams and if things don’t happen in the way they expect of course we will be happy because it is one less team on the top fighting for us."

Last season Liverpool won their two matches by an aggregate of 9-0, although Fabinho missed the 5-0 humiliation at Old Trafford – the Reds’ biggest win on the ground – as he was at home nursing an injury.

It meant he got to enjoy the game as a fan and found himself urging his team-mates to show no mercy despite racing into a 4-0 half-time lead.

A third successive victory over United would pile even more pressure on their arch-rivals and new