Manchester United manager David Moyes has suggested that his side are heading into Sunday's clash against arch rivals Liverpool as underdogs.

While the Red Devils have dominated their Merseyside opponents over the last few years, this season is a different story as Liverpool sit 11 points higher than United in the Premier League table.

With the current English champions residing sixth in the standings, Moyes has insisted that this weekend's result is vital in his first campaign in charge.

"Liverpool's league position suggests they're ahead of us," BBC Sport quotes Moyes as saying. "They possibly do come here as favourites.

"There has been great rivalry between the two clubs. Liverpool are having a very good season. They're our next game at home and we have to do all we possibly can to beat them.

"We're maybe not in as strong a position as we'd like to be but I think in every other season they've been very good at this stage coming into the final furlong. We've got big games coming up this month so it will be important."

Meanwhile, Moyes has suggested that striker Robin van Persie could be offered a new contract at Old Trafford.