Virgil van Dijk says it is 'pretty clear' that Liverpool have to improve as they look to return to winning ways against Manchester United. The Reds captain believes Sunday's showdown with the Red Devils is a big opportunity to send a message to doubters with the Premier League champions eyeing a response after three defeats in seven days.

Two of their disappointments came in the league, conceding in stoppage time in both of their defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Meanwhile, they endured a frustration evening in Istanbul, losing 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League.

As a result of their recent run, the Reds sit second in the table, one point behind current leaders Arsenal. Van Dijk has insisted that the pressure is on his teammates to deliver results after a tough week, prior to the international break.