The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back, 25, is one of the most coveted defenders in the Premier League and is expected to leave if they suffer relegation.
Jacobs told The United Stand: "The bad news for Manchester United on Micky van de Ven is if, and it is an 'if', Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United. He is picking Liverpool."
The appeal of Anfield is clear — Van de Ven is a Liverpool supporter and would have the opportunity to play alongside his Netherlands international captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in 2027.
Neither Liverpool nor Manchester United have made a formal approach to Tottenham or the player's representatives. Both clubs are monitoring the situation as internal conversations, with no firm move imminent, says talkSPORT.
Tottenham value Van de Ven at close to £100 million. If they avoid relegation, Roberto De Zerbi's appointment has increased the chances of the defender committing to a new deal. Cristian Romero is considered more likely to leave regardless of Tottenham's final league position.
Manchester United need defensive reinforcements, with Matthijs de Ligt sidelined since November and Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire both prone to injury. Liverpool are also looking to strengthen, having signed Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe ahead of the summer as long-term options.