By David Maddock The Daily Mirror
Liverpool's American owners have vowed to make money available for Rafa Benitez to splash in the transfer market.
Tom Hicks and George Gillett yesterday claimed that they will scale down plans for a new stadium, partly because they want to support the Spaniard.
Starting with the January transfer window, boss Benitez can expect money to buy a centre-half - with young Argentine defender Ezekquiel Garay and AC Milan's Khaka Kaladze top of his list.
In the summer he wants to secure a long-term deal for Javier Mascherano, and bring in a new striker plus two new wide players, one defensive.
Chief executive Rick Parry said: "It is nonsense to say that there will be an embargo on transfers for the manager - the owners are committed to supporting him as much as possible.
"The objective on day one in building the new stadium was to generate more cash to fund the team and we must never get away from that objective.
"We will still produce a stadium for the fans to be proud of, and the owners will be able to support the manager in the way that he wants."
The Merseyside club have scrapped designs for a revolutionary £450m stadium because they were simply too expensive.
Texan architects HKS will adapt their plan to reduce capacity from 75,000, and cut costs significantly.
Liverpool will also invite Manchester firm AFL to draw up another blueprint for the stadium to replace Anfield, after they initially submitted a design in 2001, which Hicks dismissed as "20 years out of date".
21 December 2007
2nd 11 lost to Chelsea's 1st 11
It's so rare to see a striker red-carded. but Crouch proved that it's not impossible. Everything went chaos after we saw the team that Rafa pick for the game against Chelsea is quite unfamiliar names... in fact, not the usual rotated team by having Hack Hobbs and no Stevie Gerrard. Well... let the Carling Cup passed, and hope that a full concentration can be done to regain our position in the Premier League.19 December 2007
Chelsea v Liverpool: Preview
PAChelsea boss Avram Grant has been cheered by the return of midfielder Michael Ballack for Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Ballack has not played since last April after undergoing two operations on a damaged ankle.
But the Germany international is fit enough to be welcomed back into Grant's squad for the tie.
Grant added: 'Ballack is available. He's a good player and we miss him. He's available and has a lot of qualities. He'll be in the squad tomorrow (Wednesday).'
Chelsea will also welcome back Michael Essien, named in Ghana's 40-man preliminary squad for the African Nations Cup, after suspension.
One man who won't be playing against the Reds is John Terry who will be out for around six weeks after being injured by a tackle from Emmanuel Eboue on Sunday against Arsenal.
Eboue's tackle has been criticised in many quarters but referee Alan Wiley showed only the yellow card to the Arsenal player.
Now during a month when Chelsea admitted a charge relating to the behaviour of their players towards referee Andre Marriner during a match against Derby in November, Grant insists the debate over such incidents is taking precedence over the protection of players.
Grant declared: 'I would say, first, I don't think it's easy to be a referee these days.
'The game is a lot quicker and a lot more aggressive. I won't complain about the referees. I did that once, against Manchester United.
'But, also, I see the main discussion in the last two months is that if Chelsea sent three players or four players to the referee to complain about a decision.
'This is wrong. The main issue is to protect the game and to protect the players from bad injury. That has to be the main discussion.
'A lot of other clubs send more players - including last Saturday when a centre-half ran 50 metres to complain about the referee and nothing happened - than Chelsea do.
'If we are looking at the red card that Michael Essien got against Derby then other players have done more aggressive fouls but (have) not (been) punished.
'On Sunday look which players ran more up to the referee? Ours or theirs? It's part of the game. I don't think it's that important.
'The major problem in terms of discussion in the last few months has been that. That's the wrong message.
'The right message would be how we can better protect the players. There were bad fouls, that foul on John Terry.
'That's the most important thing.'
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is backing his side to bounce back after two successive defeats and progress to the semi-finals despite title rivals Chelsea being all but invincible at Stamford Bridge.
He claims his team have enough about them to banish the memory of losing to Manchester United and Reading, following a long unbeaten run.
Benitez insists that confidence has not been damaged despite that home defeat by Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the weekend.
He told liverpoolfc.tv: 'If you analyse Chelsea's home form you can see they haven't lost for a long time.
'So it's normal not to get too many good results there. They are really good in front of their own fans but we will try to change the situation.
'We have played a lot of games against Chelsea over the last three or four years. We know they are a top side.
'These games are very special and we seem to have a good record against them in cup competitions especially. We know if we play well then we can beat anyone.
'We are here to win trophies and so we want to get into the semi-final. We will fight until the last minute to get there.'
Benitez could be tempted to shuffle his pack with Xabi Alonso set for a run out after a ten-week absence with a metatarsal injury.
Steve Finnan remains doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Benitez said: 'The key is to find the balance between the squad and the big names. It is not possible for players to play every game.
'Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.
'We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available.
'I think Chelsea will rest some players because that's normal. But it will still be a good side.'
18 December 2007
Valencia set their sights on £4m Liverpool defender Riise
Last updated at 11:40am on 18th December 2007
Valencia boss Ronaldo Koeman has launched a £4m bid to prise John Arne Riise away from Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep 27-year-old Riise but Koeman told the Daily Mirror: "He is a player with experience and would offer options to our game."
Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz added: "We want to improve our squad."
Valencia boss Ronaldo Koeman has launched a £4m bid to prise John Arne Riise away from Liverpool.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined to keep 27-year-old Riise but Koeman told the Daily Mirror: "He is a player with experience and would offer options to our game."
Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz added: "We want to improve our squad."
Valencia are already out of the Champions League and are rebuilding.
They see Riise as a vital part of that and will not be put off an initial rejection from Anfield.
.
utusanLFC says :
Although it is fair to say, Risse nowadays doesn't really the player we have known him all this years. Everyone of us would remember his scud shot to the left post and put Fabian Bartez in not only helpless but also embarrasing situation... and those memories remain. However, of late... Risse seems to lose his powerful shot. In the last Man.U games, how many shots that he let flew towards the stand? hmmm... one too many. The interest from Valencia come as no suprise as it is well documented also that Rafa needs to offload some of the existing player before he can buy some more and in the case of Javier... to retain. I'm thinking hard and try to separate my emotions when it concerns players like Risse. He has been a good soldier. Has been there most. He was our player in most of the finals. Who can deny it. But football is a game mix with the requirement to achieve high, i.e winning the game. In this context, you need a player who can win you a game. Risse could be passing his prime. hmmm... I wish he'll stay. And even if Rafa decided to part with him, I won't be too sad. I know Rafa will bring in a fresher player of his calibre. Hopefully!...
Benitez buoyed by talks with Liverpool owners
Last updated at 12:42pm on 18th December 2007
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has cleared up any misunderstanding with the club's co-owners. Benitez said talks with American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks following the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at Anfield had been "very positive".
The meeting was held following a fall-out over the American's transfer policy.
Benitez was hurt by suggestions that perhaps he should stick to training and coaching and leave money matters to others.
He said: "We needed to clarify the situation and it was a very positive meeting.
"The conversation was very fluid because we were face to face, whereas it's more difficult over the phone or by email.
"My English isn't always the best but having the chance to talk to them slowly and with time allowed us to analyse small problems. Now we can move forward."
Meanwhile midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final match following a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.
Alonso has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.
Benitez said: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.
"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes he has cleared up any misunderstanding with the club's co-owners. Benitez said talks with American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks following the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United at Anfield had been "very positive".
The meeting was held following a fall-out over the American's transfer policy.
Benitez was hurt by suggestions that perhaps he should stick to training and coaching and leave money matters to others.
He said: "We needed to clarify the situation and it was a very positive meeting.
"The conversation was very fluid because we were face to face, whereas it's more difficult over the phone or by email.
"My English isn't always the best but having the chance to talk to them slowly and with time allowed us to analyse small problems. Now we can move forward."
Meanwhile midfielder Xabi Alonso could return against Chelsea in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final match following a 10-match absence with a metatarsal injury.
Alonso has made a full recovery after being sidelined since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in October.
Benitez said: "Xabi is training normally and should be available for the match at Chelsea.
"We are going into a busy period with lots of games so it is important to have our best players available."
17 December 2007
hmmm.... lost by Tevez goal
Sometimes when you see our captain behaving like this... you know that we are not having a good day on the pitch...15 December 2007
LFC v Man.U
Liverpool make their seventh attempt to notch a 50th league victory over Manchester United.
A draw would be enough to see Manchester United climb above Arsenal to the top of the table, ahead of the Gunners' home game with Chelsea which kicks off less than 45 minutes after the final whistle of this game is blown; victory for Liverpool will half their six-point deficit on the Red Devils.
This is the second of three massive fixtures in eight days for the Merseysiders, following Tuesday's decisive 0-4 Champions League win over Marseilles in France, and ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea.
Liverpool suffered a shock loss, away to Reading last Saturday, and are in danger of their first back-to-back defeats in 17 Premier League matches.
Both these clubs are meeting a fellow member of the "big four" for the third time this season, and both are unbeaten: United beat Chelsea 2-0 at home on 23 September and drew 2-2 at Arsenal on 3 November, while Liverpool have drawn both theirs 1-1 at home, to Chelsea on 19 August and to Arsenal on 28 October.
Sir Alex Ferguson has had the better of the exchanges with Rafael Benitez. United have won five and drawn one of the six Premier League matches against Rafa's Reds, although the Merseysiders did knock out United from the FA Cup in February 2006.
Manchester United ended Liverpool's 30-match unbeaten Premier League record at Anfield with a 0-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last March. John O'Shea came off the bench to win a dramatic stoppage time winner, after Paul Scholes was sent off for swinging a punch at Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats to Manchester United than any other club (16), and conceded more Premier League goals against them than to any other side (44).
A draw would be enough to see Manchester United climb above Arsenal to the top of the table, ahead of the Gunners' home game with Chelsea which kicks off less than 45 minutes after the final whistle of this game is blown; victory for Liverpool will half their six-point deficit on the Red Devils.
This is the second of three massive fixtures in eight days for the Merseysiders, following Tuesday's decisive 0-4 Champions League win over Marseilles in France, and ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea.
Liverpool suffered a shock loss, away to Reading last Saturday, and are in danger of their first back-to-back defeats in 17 Premier League matches.
Both these clubs are meeting a fellow member of the "big four" for the third time this season, and both are unbeaten: United beat Chelsea 2-0 at home on 23 September and drew 2-2 at Arsenal on 3 November, while Liverpool have drawn both theirs 1-1 at home, to Chelsea on 19 August and to Arsenal on 28 October.
Sir Alex Ferguson has had the better of the exchanges with Rafael Benitez. United have won five and drawn one of the six Premier League matches against Rafa's Reds, although the Merseysiders did knock out United from the FA Cup in February 2006.
Manchester United ended Liverpool's 30-match unbeaten Premier League record at Anfield with a 0-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last March. John O'Shea came off the bench to win a dramatic stoppage time winner, after Paul Scholes was sent off for swinging a punch at Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats to Manchester United than any other club (16), and conceded more Premier League goals against them than to any other side (44).
CLUB FORM
LIVERPOOL
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Defeat to Reading ended a 15-match unbeaten Premier League sequence of eight wins and seven draws.
2. The three goals from the Royals were the first conceded in five Premier League outings, and increased the total of those shipped in this league campaign by half as much again (from six to nine).
3. Last lost successive league games away to Portsmouth and Fulham on 28 April and 5 May respectively.
4. Averaging two points per match; 30 in 15. They are eight points better off than at this same stage last season.
5. Conceded the opening goal only twice in Premier League matches this season - fewer than any other club, and one of two clubs not to have let in a goal in the first 15 minutes; the other is Blackburn.
6. Trailed at half-time only once in this Premier League season (away to Everton).
7. Won the last five league and cup games at Anfield, with an aggregate score of 20-2.
8. Undefeated in 11 home league games; won six and drawn five since the 0-1 loss to Manchester United on 3 March.
9. The only club to have scored as many as four penalties in Premiership competition this season, and one of two clubs to have conceded four; the other is Birmingham.
10. The remaining Premier League fixtures this year involve a home game with Portsmouth, a Boxing Day visit to Derby and another away trip to Manchester City, before entering 2008 with a home fixture against Wigan on 2 January.
MANCHESTER UNITED
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won 16 of 20 in all competitions, and lost one of 14.
2. One of two clubs with as many as 11 Premier League wins; the other is Arsenal.
3. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league; just eight goals shipped in 16 outings, at one very two games, or three hours, on average.
4. Won three more Premier League matches than Liverpool (11 to eight), but lost one more (two to one).
5. Won 11 of the last 13 Premier League matches, losing just one of the 13.
6. Kept clean sheets in eight of the last 13 league outings, and failed to score in one of their last 13 league games; the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton on 24 November.
7. Not lost in any league game this term in which they have scored; won 11 and drawn two of 13.
8. Scored first in an unequalled 12 Premier League matches; won 10 and drawn two.
9. Conceded only two goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this term; only Arsenal and Liverpool can match that.
10. The remaining matches this year include a home game with Everton, a Boxing Day visit to Sunderland, and another away trip to West Ham, before the New Year's Day fixture home to Birmingham.
.
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won 16 of 20 in all competitions, and lost one of 14.
2. One of two clubs with as many as 11 Premier League wins; the other is Arsenal.
3. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league; just eight goals shipped in 16 outings, at one very two games, or three hours, on average.
4. Won three more Premier League matches than Liverpool (11 to eight), but lost one more (two to one).
5. Won 11 of the last 13 Premier League matches, losing just one of the 13.
6. Kept clean sheets in eight of the last 13 league outings, and failed to score in one of their last 13 league games; the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton on 24 November.
7. Not lost in any league game this term in which they have scored; won 11 and drawn two of 13.
8. Scored first in an unequalled 12 Premier League matches; won 10 and drawn two.
9. Conceded only two goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this term; only Arsenal and Liverpool can match that.
10. The remaining matches this year include a home game with Everton, a Boxing Day visit to Sunderland, and another away trip to West Ham, before the New Year's Day fixture home to Birmingham.
.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
LIVERPOOL
Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 12 goals.
TORRES and Steven GERRARD are the clubs' joint top Premier League marksmen with six goals each.
Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.
REINA leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, keeping nine clean sheets.
.
LIVERPOOL
Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 12 goals.
TORRES and Steven GERRARD are the clubs' joint top Premier League marksmen with six goals each.
Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.
REINA leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, keeping nine clean sheets.
.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 14 goals.
RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with nine. He jointly leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, alongside Arsenal's Emmanuel ADEBAYOR.
Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.
If on the field from the outset:-
Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).
Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 14 goals.
RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with nine. He jointly leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, alongside Arsenal's Emmanuel ADEBAYOR.
Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.
If on the field from the outset:-
Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).
Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.
HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United did the double over Liverpool for the fourth time in the Premier League last season, and the second time in three seasons.
Manchester United were the only club to win home and away against the Merseysiders last season, but Liverpool were one of 12 doubled by the Red Devils in the last campaign.
United are aiming to beat Liverpool in the league for the fourth time in a row.
The only point in 18 Liverpool have notched against United came from a goalless draw at Anfield on 18 September 2005.
Home and awayLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 49 wins, Man Utd 56, Draws 43Prem: Liverpool 7 wins, Man Utd 16, Draws 7
at Liverpool onlyLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 35 wins, Man Utd 21, Draws 18Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Man Utd 8, Draws 3
.
Manchester United did the double over Liverpool for the fourth time in the Premier League last season, and the second time in three seasons.
Manchester United were the only club to win home and away against the Merseysiders last season, but Liverpool were one of 12 doubled by the Red Devils in the last campaign.
United are aiming to beat Liverpool in the league for the fourth time in a row.
The only point in 18 Liverpool have notched against United came from a goalless draw at Anfield on 18 September 2005.
Home and awayLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 49 wins, Man Utd 56, Draws 43Prem: Liverpool 7 wins, Man Utd 16, Draws 7
at Liverpool onlyLeague (inc PL): Liverpool 35 wins, Man Utd 21, Draws 18Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Man Utd 8, Draws 3
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LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United3 March 2007 - Ref: Martin AtkinsonMan Utd scorer: O'Shea 90Sent Off: Scholes (Man Utd) 86
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United3 March 2007 - Ref: Martin AtkinsonMan Utd scorer: O'Shea 90Sent Off: Scholes (Man Utd) 86
ALONSO SET FOR REDS RETURN
By PA Sport staff
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return to the squad after a two-month absence with a metatarsal injury.
Alonso in his Special Forces Military Attire about to do some serious damage on Man.U
Alonso, 26, could face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday following a frustrating start to the season.
The Spain midfielder has featured in only six Barclays Premier League games and been out of action since the Arsenal match in October.
Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reporting a clean bill of health ahead of the clash.
Owen Hargreaves has now recovered from the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up prior to Saturday's win over Derby.
The only minor doubt from Wednesday's draw in Rome is John O'Shea but Ferguson is confident last season's Anfield matchwinner will recover from an abductor strain.
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return to the squad after a two-month absence with a metatarsal injury.
Alonso in his Special Forces Military Attire about to do some serious damage on Man.UAlonso, 26, could face Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday following a frustrating start to the season.
The Spain midfielder has featured in only six Barclays Premier League games and been out of action since the Arsenal match in October.
Steve Finnan is doubtful because of a calf problem while Daniel Agger remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reporting a clean bill of health ahead of the clash.
Owen Hargreaves has now recovered from the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up prior to Saturday's win over Derby.
The only minor doubt from Wednesday's draw in Rome is John O'Shea but Ferguson is confident last season's Anfield matchwinner will recover from an abductor strain.
How Fergie left rivals Liverpool trailing in his wake
By IAN LADYMAN Last updated at 23:36pm on 14th December 2007
One of the most encouraging signs during Sir Alex Ferguson's difficult early years at Manchester United was a runners-up finish to Division One champions Liverpool in 1988.
Ferguson, as realistic as ever, said later: "We were nine points behind. There was still a gulf in class."
That, as much as anything, illustrates just how far into their great rivals' shadow Liverpool were to fall once Ferguson's United finally brought a league title to Old Trafford five years later.
Just last season, for example, the gap between champions United and fourth-placed Liverpool was 21 points. Back in 1994, it was an incredible 32 points while in 1999 it was 25 and a year later a similarly significant 24 points.
A gulf in class? It has been that way for many years, with Liverpool's last title coming in 1990.
"It is incredible how time goes by so quickly," reflected Ferguson yesterday. "It does not seem like all those years since Liverpool won a league title. I suppose when you are concentrating on what you are doing at your own club you don't really notice."
Ferguson made it his aim to topple Liverpool as soon as he arrived in England 21 years ago.
Famously, he said he wanted to knock them from their perch' and to say it worked is an understatement.
In terms of the League titles that English football uses as its true barometer of success, Liverpool have been dead at the bottom of their cage for quite some time.
Tomorrow at Anfield, the Kop will once more smell the whiff of a new dawn. Fresh promise. Real hope afforded them by Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and a revitalised Harry Kewell.
Ferguson, though, has seen it before. Liverpool finished second, ahead of his team, in 2002 as they threatened to breathe again under Gerard Houllier. They beat them in the Carling Cup Final a year later.
In 2005, of course, they even won the Champions League.
Still, consistency has escaped them. So can it be different this time?
Ferguson said: "All I can say is that we have had a fantastic record since the Premier League started, incredible really. Liverpool, for whatever reason, have not managed that. Our main rivals over the period have been Arsenal really.
"To be involved in a league title race through the season is far harder than to have a cup run. When it gets to March and April and every game, every goal, means the world, that's when the true test comes. To win the FA Cup you just have to win six games.
"When I look at the overall performance of Liverpool over the years, I don't really know what happened. But they are showing promise again this season.
"They have a game in hand so the gap could really just be three points. That's nothing and that shows how tight this league is.
"If this game was happening towards the end of the season I would say it could have ultimate significance. As it is, we are only halfway through. But it is still huge."
Ferguson's rhetoric was telling yesterday. Soundbites were tossed out every minute. "If we are lambs, we are dead. We need to be men," he said.
"We want 19 titles. The chase is on," he pronounced, referring to Liverpool's record of 18, two more than United.
What was absent, though, was genuine needle. When Ferguson senses a threat, the street fighter in him charges to the surface.
There was none of that yesterday.
It would appear that the Scot, like everybody else, is waiting to see if the challenge from along the M62 will prove to be real.
He offered some backing to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez who continues to endure a difficult relationship with the club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
He expressed only mild irritation that Liverpool's best defender Jamie Carragher escaped a booking and a ban when conceding a penalty at Reading last Saturday and can play at Anfield.
Ferguson said: "I hear and read about the dispute between Rafa and the owners and then I look at his record and wonder where it comes from.
"There is an undercurrent of a dispute somewhere along the line and it is strange, given that he has won the FA Cup and the Champions League already.
"I have no idea about how they run things there. But there is no problem with the owners here. I leave it to chief executive David Gill to get on with and it works fine."
Tomorrow, there will be a little less concern. A handshake before kick-off and a glass of wine at full time, maybe.
The rivalry between these two clubs is unsurpassed. It is geographical and cultural more than statistical.
The clubs have only finished one-two in the league four times over the years — 1947, 1964, 1980 and 1988.
Nevertheless, the sense of need, desperation even, from both sets of supporters will be overwhelming. Occasionally it has boiled over.
Ferguson once had hot liquid thrown in his face outside Anfield.
Two years ago, when United forward Alan Smith suffered an horrific leg injury, the ambulance carrying him to hospital came under attack on a street corner.
By and large, though, it has been the football that has grabbed the attention.
As Ferguson said: "No matter what the position of the teams, this is the highlight of my season. This game encapsulates everything I love about football. The fans, the geography, the history, the passion. The atmosphere tends to lift the players. It is like nothing else."
One of the most encouraging signs during Sir Alex Ferguson's difficult early years at Manchester United was a runners-up finish to Division One champions Liverpool in 1988.
Ferguson, as realistic as ever, said later: "We were nine points behind. There was still a gulf in class."
That, as much as anything, illustrates just how far into their great rivals' shadow Liverpool were to fall once Ferguson's United finally brought a league title to Old Trafford five years later.
Just last season, for example, the gap between champions United and fourth-placed Liverpool was 21 points. Back in 1994, it was an incredible 32 points while in 1999 it was 25 and a year later a similarly significant 24 points.
A gulf in class? It has been that way for many years, with Liverpool's last title coming in 1990.
"It is incredible how time goes by so quickly," reflected Ferguson yesterday. "It does not seem like all those years since Liverpool won a league title. I suppose when you are concentrating on what you are doing at your own club you don't really notice."
Ferguson made it his aim to topple Liverpool as soon as he arrived in England 21 years ago.
Famously, he said he wanted to knock them from their perch' and to say it worked is an understatement.
In terms of the League titles that English football uses as its true barometer of success, Liverpool have been dead at the bottom of their cage for quite some time.
Tomorrow at Anfield, the Kop will once more smell the whiff of a new dawn. Fresh promise. Real hope afforded them by Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and a revitalised Harry Kewell.
Ferguson, though, has seen it before. Liverpool finished second, ahead of his team, in 2002 as they threatened to breathe again under Gerard Houllier. They beat them in the Carling Cup Final a year later.
In 2005, of course, they even won the Champions League.
Still, consistency has escaped them. So can it be different this time?
Ferguson said: "All I can say is that we have had a fantastic record since the Premier League started, incredible really. Liverpool, for whatever reason, have not managed that. Our main rivals over the period have been Arsenal really.
"To be involved in a league title race through the season is far harder than to have a cup run. When it gets to March and April and every game, every goal, means the world, that's when the true test comes. To win the FA Cup you just have to win six games.
"When I look at the overall performance of Liverpool over the years, I don't really know what happened. But they are showing promise again this season.
"They have a game in hand so the gap could really just be three points. That's nothing and that shows how tight this league is.
"If this game was happening towards the end of the season I would say it could have ultimate significance. As it is, we are only halfway through. But it is still huge."
Ferguson's rhetoric was telling yesterday. Soundbites were tossed out every minute. "If we are lambs, we are dead. We need to be men," he said.
"We want 19 titles. The chase is on," he pronounced, referring to Liverpool's record of 18, two more than United.
What was absent, though, was genuine needle. When Ferguson senses a threat, the street fighter in him charges to the surface.
There was none of that yesterday.
It would appear that the Scot, like everybody else, is waiting to see if the challenge from along the M62 will prove to be real.
He offered some backing to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez who continues to endure a difficult relationship with the club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
He expressed only mild irritation that Liverpool's best defender Jamie Carragher escaped a booking and a ban when conceding a penalty at Reading last Saturday and can play at Anfield.
Ferguson said: "I hear and read about the dispute between Rafa and the owners and then I look at his record and wonder where it comes from.
"There is an undercurrent of a dispute somewhere along the line and it is strange, given that he has won the FA Cup and the Champions League already.
"I have no idea about how they run things there. But there is no problem with the owners here. I leave it to chief executive David Gill to get on with and it works fine."
Tomorrow, there will be a little less concern. A handshake before kick-off and a glass of wine at full time, maybe.
The rivalry between these two clubs is unsurpassed. It is geographical and cultural more than statistical.
The clubs have only finished one-two in the league four times over the years — 1947, 1964, 1980 and 1988.
Nevertheless, the sense of need, desperation even, from both sets of supporters will be overwhelming. Occasionally it has boiled over.
Ferguson once had hot liquid thrown in his face outside Anfield.
Two years ago, when United forward Alan Smith suffered an horrific leg injury, the ambulance carrying him to hospital came under attack on a street corner.
By and large, though, it has been the football that has grabbed the attention.
As Ferguson said: "No matter what the position of the teams, this is the highlight of my season. This game encapsulates everything I love about football. The fans, the geography, the history, the passion. The atmosphere tends to lift the players. It is like nothing else."
I want Anfield record, says United boss
By IAN LADYMAN - Last updated at 22:09pm on 14th December 2007
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned rivals Liverpool that he has his heart set on overhauling their domestic record of 18 league titles.
Ferguson takes his Barclays Premier League champions to Anfield tomorrow for what promises to be a gripping clash with United's fiercest rivals.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned rivals Liverpool that he has his heart set on overhauling their domestic record of 18 league titles.
Ferguson takes his Barclays Premier League champions to Anfield tomorrow for what promises to be a gripping clash with United's fiercest rivals.
hey Rio, get a hold on Torres... you bloody *&%$#@....(censored!!)...
And the 65-year-old previewed the game by stating that he wants to add three more league titles to United's 16 so that every United fan can say their club are the very best in English history.
Ferguson said: "In terms of successful teams, winning the league is without question the barometer of our game. In terms of English records, we have won the FA Cup more times than anyone and you get a certain pride in that.
"Liverpool at this moment have won the title more times than anyone and they will be proud of that. But the chase is on.
"It will always be on, to be the No 1 in the country. For us there is an expectation. For Liverpool, there is an expectation. I hope, before I leave, we can get to that position and beat Liverpool's record."
Ferguson was yesterday handed a two-game touchline ban — starting on December 29 — after admitting using foul and abusive language to referee Mark Clattenburg during the recent defeat at Bolton, but he is calling on his players to be mature amid the intensity of tomorrow's Anfield showdown.
He added: "If they are lambs, they are dead. If they are men, they will have no problem.
"You have got to be men, you have to be strong enough to handle that.
"If the crowd beats you, it doesn't say a lot for you, does it?"
Ferguson also admitted for the first time that he tried to buy Spanish striker Fernando Torres before he moved from Atletico Madrid to Anfield in the summer.
"We were linked with Torres many times," said Ferguson.
"For years we tried to do a deal with him but we never quite managed it, either because Atletico did not want to sell or the player felt he was too young.
"Then we just lost interest a bit."
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