Erik ten Hag is refusing to panic over the threat posed by Liverpool to Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification as he tries to secure a top-four finish.
Liverpool’s run of six straight wins combined with a United blip that has brought back-to-back defeats against West Ham and Brighton means Ten Hag’s side only have a one-point lead and one game in hand over their arch rivals.
United face Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday – one of three home games out of their last four league fixtures – before Liverpool play struggling Leicester on Monday.
Asked about the challenge from Jurgen Klopp’s side, Ten Hag said: ‘Of course we can ignore that, it's not important. We have everything in our hands and as long as we have everything in our hands we are not dependent on them.
‘The important thing is the opponent we face tomorrow: Wolves. We have to take them seriously. They have done a great job. We focus on that.
‘We are convinced with what we are doing. We’ve had a lot of success. We have a lot of games, the way we work, the way we're playing, the structures are really clear but we have to execute them and show 100 per cent discipline in the rules and principles. When we do that, we are successful.
‘We believe in the way we work and the way we play and the togetherness with the fans.
'There’s a strong bond and a really good ambience at Old Trafford. It's difficult for opponents to go there and face us.’
United’s exit from the Europa League last month means Ten Hag has had a free week for the first time since September to work with his players and address the mini slump.
He added: ‘We had a week and we needed it to reset, to reload, to recharge to get energy back because we had a lack of it in the last two games. I see a lot of energy and joy on the pitch. We could also work in detail on some facts, so it was good.’