"If Chelsea are not in the Champions League he knows they'll be a threat, and if Liverpool are not he knows we'll be a threat - he loses either way," said the boss.
"I think they [United] have a problem because, clearly, either us or Chelsea will be able to focus on the league.
"I think he will be supporting Liverpool because we are the big threat now and if we continue in the competition maybe we'll be tired.
"You will have time to prepare for every single Premier League game (if you are eliminated), so clearly he will be supporting us.
"He likes to talk too much about other teams. I don't think it's mind games - I think maybe he's a little bit scared."