Louis van Gaal has assured Manchester United fans that his side will defeat Liverpool on Saturday, but backed off picking the Old Trafford club to be crowned Premier League champs this season.
United slumped to a surprising 2-1 loss to Swansea two weekends ago, however the Dutch boss promised a repeat was not in the cards against arch-rivals Liverpool at the weekend.
"I am sorry, the defeat was my fault. Don't worry, we will win on Saturday," Van Gaal said in an interview with BBC.
Van Gaal's club beat Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford and 2-1 at Anfield last year. And while a victory over the Reds would be a seen as a positive step for the club, the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax manager believes his squad is a year away from being considered true Premier League contenders.
"No, maybe third or second place is realistic but I expect us to go for it next season," Van Gaal said of his team's 2014-15 chances, before hailing United fans for their steadfast support.
"At Barcelona when the team is losing fans wave their white hankies, Munich fans start whistling and at Ajax the fans call for the previous manager.
"Manchester United fans get behind their manager, they get behind their team. That is why United fans are the best in the world."