Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that Manchester United could face a lengthy spell out of the Champions League if they miss out next season.

David Moyes's side are currently sixth in the Premier League with 48 points from 28 matches, nine points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

"This club (Liverpool) is a worldwide club, monumental, but we found it difficult because the best players want to play in the best competitions," the Daily Star quotes him as saying.

"I said in order to get in some of the type of players we want, that's where we need to be and where we are trying to be. Any club will suffer the same when they're not in there. There is no doubt it will hurt you, but they will know that.

"I was reading a Jan Molby interview talking about the great Liverpool teams. He said when they missed out one year became two and then all of a sudden it was 20 years. It can get away from you very quickly."

Man United will take on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the league on Sunday.