Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp feels that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho must have been encouraged by the Reds' loss to Southampton in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

United, who won their corresponding semi-final fixture against Hull City on Tuesday, will host their traditional rivals in a crucial Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Redknapp believes without Sadio Mane, who is away with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations, Jurgen Klopp's Reds are much easier to defend against.

The Sky Sports pundit said: "Jose Mourinho will be well aware today that you can stand 10 yards further forward up the pitch when Mane doesn't play, because everyone wants the ball to feet.

"When Mane plays it's totally different, that speed in-behind, and I think that's why Southampton were so comfortable today."