Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres has given the team the attacking edge that might prove crucial in the match against Manchester United on Sunday
Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres has given the team the attacking edge that might prove crucial in the match against Manchester United on Sunday
LIVERPOOL: Rafael Benitez has spent the week playing down the significance of Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday.
But the Liverpool boss knows only too well that his side’s performance against the champions will be regarded as a benchmark of the progress he believes they have made this season.
Benitez’s sides have always been characterised by defensive resilience and there is no doubt that the summer addition of Fernando Torres — a player Sir Alex Ferguson admits he would have loved to sign for United — has undeniably given them an additional edge going forward.
With 12 goals already in his debut season on Merseyside, Torres has taken the first steps towards establishing himself as an Anfield legend.
The young Spaniard will accelerate considerably along that particular path if he can add to his tally on Sunday and help end United’s recent run of success at the famous old
ground.
In their last five visits to Anfield, United have won four and drawn one and memories of last season, when John O’Shea’s injury-time winner ensured all three points for the ten-man visitors, are particularly painful for the Liverpool faithful.
Little wonder then that Benitez acknowledges that Sunday’s match is as much about psychology as about points.
“Maybe this game against United will be more important for confidence than anything else,” said the Spaniard.
“In terms in points we are in December and we all know Christmas is a vital time with all the matches. It is so close the line between the two teams. Our statistics in these matches might not be the best but in every game it has been really tight.”
Benitez’s men go into the match with confidence running high after an impressive 4-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League in midweek and the tensions between the manager and the club’s American owners apparently receding.
United’s recent form has been equally impressive and Ferguson knows he will not have to work overtime to get his players motivated for what he regards as the biggest match in English football.
“No matter what position the two clubs are in, this game is separate from anything else,” said the Scot.
“You have the geography, the history of the clubs, the ability of the players, the competition, the passion and fervour of the fans.
We both look upon the other as our main rival. Liverpool’s support is a big component of that club, particularly against United. You have to be a man to handle that atmosphere. If you are a lamb, you are dead."
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