Liverpool FC: 3 Reasons Why the Reds Can Unseat Manchester United

After the 8-2 thrashing that Manchester United handed a paper-thin Arsenal squad on Sunday afternoon, there weren’t too many people who doubted the Red Devils’ chances of defending their title.

The summer transfer window saw plenty of movement from several English clubs, of which Liverpool proved to be among the more proactive. The new owners had given the green-light to spend on upgrading the squad.

After offloading Fernando Torres to Chelsea for a king’s ransom of £50m during last season's January window, Liverpool brought in Andy Carroll from Newcastle United and Luis Suarez from Ajax.

Come summer, the Merseyside club pushed their shopping cart to the midfielder aisle of the transfer market. They added Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing to their roster. Not exactly signings that should cause any amount of fanfare, but they definitely add talent to the squad.

1. Kenny Dalglish

The ex-Liverpool player should have only been hired as a temporary stopgap at the manager position. Instead, Roy Hodgson’s replacement injected life into a squad and fanbase that wanted something to cheer about.

“King Kenny” has helped turn this historically magnificent club around during his second run as manager. He impressed the new Liverpool brass with his newfound success during the second half of the season. The Liverpool boss resurrected one of the great atmospheres in all of Europe at the Kop.

Dalglish has a Liverpool team focused and believing in themselves. His ability to draw out the best from his players will have the Liverpool boss and his squad in every game.

Compared to Sir Alex Ferguson, Dalglish may not be a tactical genius. However, Dalglish’s fire has lit a spark under this squad and raised their ambition. “King Kenny” will have his troops ready for battle, week in, week out.

At the minimum, that should have this team chomping at the bit.

2. Luis Suarez

Forget Andy Carroll.

Luis Suarez has been the bright shining light for Liverpool. His signing had an instant impact during the spring, and he will be looking to further cement his abilities in the minds of defenders throughout England.

Suarez comes fresh off a Copa America win over the summer. His appetite for success has been given a taste test and he will certainly want more.

The Uruguayan forward has been nothing short of sensational for the club during his short reign in England. He has made an instant impact over the course of his short time in Liverpool and can only continue to improve.

Suarez has a thirst for goals. His short run of games during last season proved the former Ajax man could not only survive in England, but also thrive in his new country.

If Suarez doesn't have a stellar year, don't expect Liverpool to do much as far as the title race goes. However, all signs point to the slick forward having a break out year.   

3. Focus on the League

The one thing that Liverpool has, which Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea do not, is a singular goal.

The other four clubs all compete in the Champions League. Liverpool, on the other hand, did not even qualify for the Europa League. This has left the club with one main goal to win the league.

It is no secret that the aforementioned clubs desire European glory—maybe to the point where their attention is unequally divided between the Premier League and the Champions League.

Liverpool’s absence from Europe will allow them to focus on ending their two-decade domestic drought. They have enough tools in place to churn up an upset or two before season’s end.

Their lack of European involvement may be exactly what the club needed. Only time will tell, but the Merseyside boys will have their eyes set on only one prize and one prize only.