2.31 AM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

Why Fergie fears Man Utd at Liverpool

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson leaves the field after the UEFA Champions League Group H football match between Manchester United and Galatasaray at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on September 19, 2012. (AFP)

Published
By Staff

There are few places where Manchester United go and do not win. Liverpool is top of the list and Sir Alex Ferguson wants to change that.

He will hope to halt that record at Liverpool on Sunday's Barclays Premier League blockbuster.

United last won at Anfield in December 2007.

They have lost four of the five subsequent meetings there in all competitions, including a 2-1 FA Cup defeat in January when Dirk Kuyt struck with two minutes left.

"The motivation leans on the side of Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, and the crowd get behind them and they make it a real competition in terms of challenges and tackles," Sir Alex said.

"We know that will happen on Sunday."

"Last season we handled Liverpool at Anfield much better," he added. "It was 1-1 in the league and there was nothing between the teams.

“Then we threw away the cup tie when we were the far better team. If we get that performance on Sunday then we will be okay."

United have to travel back to the mid-to-late 1990s to claim sustained success at Liverpool.

United won consecutive league games 3-1 in 1996/97 and 1997/98.

 

Sir Alex's letter to fans

Manchester United supporters going to Sunday's match against Liverpool will be presented with a letter from Sir Alex Ferguson as they pass through the turnstiles at Anfield.

The letter reads as follows:

"Dear Supporter,

"The great support you gave the team here [at Anfield] last season has seen our allocation back up to near-full levels. I want you to continue that progress today.

"But today [Sunday] is about much more than not blocking gangways. Today is about thinking hard about what makes United the best club in the world.

"Our rivalry with Liverpool is based on a determination to come out on top - a wish to see us crowned the best against a team that held that honour for so long.

"It cannot and should never be based on personal hatred. Just ten days ago, we heard the terrible, damning truth about the deaths of 96 fans who went to watch their team try and reach the FA Cup final and never came back. What happened to them should wake the conscience of everyone connected with the game.

"Our great club stands with our great neighbours Liverpool today to remember that loss and pay tribute to their campaign for justice. I know I can count on you to stand with us in the best traditions of the best fans in the game.

- Yours sincerely, Sir Alex Ferguson.