Paul Merson has accused Liverpool of becoming one-dimensional since the sale of Luis Suarez.

The Reds have endured a miserable start to the season, languishing ninth in the Premier League and being knocked out of this season's Champions League by Basel.

However, Merson has suggested that manager Brendan Rodgers signed the wrong type of players during the summer transfer window.

Merson told the Daily Star: "Rodgers bought Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, two target men, when he should have bought pace to replace Suarez. Teams just squeeze up on them now because no-one runs in behind.

"Liverpool are one-dimensional now and they don't scare anyone. Raheem Sterling is the only player who is going to run at teams and commit defenders.

"I don't see where they are going to win a game at the moment. They don't score enough goals – and going into the Europa League is a nightmare for them."

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face arch rivals Manchester United.