Liverpool v. Manchester United - Match Preview

By David Hobbs
September 17 2005

Manchester United travel to Merseyside on Sunday to face arch-rivals Liverpool, who are desperate to record more Premiership points after picking up 5 points in their opening 3 games.

Liverpool v. Manchester United
Barclays Premier League
Anfield
18th September, 2005
12:00pm KO 

However, the Reds are undefeated and have a superior amount of games in hand against surrounding clubs after playing such fixtures as the European Super Cup and having to qualify for then Champions League via all qualifying stages.

The only subject that's been dominating the headlines recently is Wayne Rooney's temperament following a needless red card against Villarreal. 

Many fans and critics have called for Rooney to be dropped on Sunday afternoon but Sir Alex Ferguson is putting his utmost confidence in the 19-year-old. "It's quite simple, he's such a high profile player. We're not surprised by the media focus on him. That's the way of the world and the nature of the press. They did it with Gascoigne, Beckham, Cantona and Best."

Rooney bagged the only goal in the corresponding fixture from last season as well as putting in an exceptional performance and Fergie added he's expecting a similar display tomorrow. "He will put in a good performance on Sunday because that is what he's capable of. He's been doing that all the time for us. He's always been a fantastic performer for us."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes the Red Devils have been thorn in his side at Anfield. Recalling last season's game, he said: "I thought we did a good job for 30 minutes at home last season, but not after that. They kept the ball well and I think you could argue they were the best team to play at Anfield against us. They were definitely one of the best."

Team News
Despite newspaper reports claiming Gary Neville and skipper Roy Keane could unexpectedly return from injury tomorrow, the duo are unlikely to feature. Also, United will have to deal without Gabriel Heinze for many months as the left-back damaged knee ligaments in midweek. Kieran Richardson will fill the void.

Liverpool welcome back Steven Gerrard after being rested against Betis while Fernando Morientes is out with a hamstring problem. 

Derby Days

As ever, Sir Alex Ferguson cannot wait giving Liverpool a Sunday roast. "The Manchester United-Liverpool game is such a great platform for players to perform.

"The atmosphere at Anfield is always going to be electric, just as it is at Old Trafford.

"It's the kind of atmosphere good players respond to and over the last few years we have done OK." 

ManUtdWeb Prediction
If we perform like we did against Villarreal, all we'll manage is a draw. However, I'm expecting a fantastic Wayne Rooney performance and he could be the difference between the sides again. 1-0 United.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]