Andy Cole sees something familiar in 'sexy' Liverpool

But the former Manchester United striker claims the Reds' defence reminds him of another of his old sides - Newcastle.

Jurgen Klopp's team have scored 18 goals and won five of the opening seven games of their Premier League campaign but their high-energy style has come at a cost, with 10 goals also conceded.

Cole can see the similarities with the exciting Newcastle side of Kevin Keegan in which he excelled in the 1990s.

The 44-year-old, whose Magpies heroics led to a then British record £7million move to Manchester United in 1995, said: "I love what they have going forward. I think attacking-wise they are sexy. The goals can come from all over the park. That is what I do like.

"Klopp bringing in (Sadio) Mane and I have mentioned (Daniel) Sturridge numerous times, I think he is England's best centre forward - when you have got players like that you are going to score goals, you are going to create goals. But I look at the other side of them and see the other side - it is a bit 'Newcastleish', when I was there with Kevin Keegan. It is the entertainer kind of scenario. I really do enjoy watching them going forward. Defensively they are so-so, but they are a good team."

Cole was speaking at the launch of Marathonbet's Manchester United online live casino. United travel to Anfield on Monday to face their arch-rivals Liverpool in a much-hyped clash.

United are bidding to get back on track this season after three years of under-achievement since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Cole believes they have found the right man in Jose Mourinho, although United are yet to hit their stride.

He said: "His track record proves that he is a winner. He had a disappointing end to his Chelsea career but hopefully, given time, he will get it right here."

Cole expects a strong title challenge to come from Liverpool.

He said: "Are they a title threat? Yes I think they are because Klopp has got them playing with so much energy now.

"They play good football, he has got them working very hard for each other. They are one of five teams who can win it, definitely."

:: Cole was speaking at the launch of Marathonbet's Manchester United online live casino.