Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has warned his teammates to be cautious of a defensive Manchester United side in this weekend's showdown at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were subjected to criticism five months ago when defending in numbers to come away from Merseyside with the goalless draw they were after.

Lovren expects similar tactics to be deployed by second-placed United on Saturday lunchtime, with just two points separating the hated rivals, but the Croatian centre-back admits to having a begrudging respect for the opposition.

"Maybe they are not in the best shape, but still they win ugly," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "What matters is the points. Last time, when they came here, they defend really deep so let's see what happens now."

Asked if he is expecting United to set up in a similar style, Lovren said: "I think so. They need the points, definitely. For them it will be maybe a good point but for us, we never play for a point.

"We will play like we play every day, attacking football. Still, you know Mourinho has his own plans. It is our job to focus on ourselves and play how we hope will beat them."

Liverpool have not beaten Man United at Old Trafford since 2014, while each of the last four encounters overall have finished all square.