Kenny Dalglish: You’re wrong Fergie... United isn’t our biggest game

Posted Thursday, October 13, 2011 by The Sun

KENNY DALGLISH has wound up Alex Ferguson — by claiming Manchester United is NOT Liverpool's biggest game this season.

United boss Fergie traditionally talks up the fierce rivalry between the two North-West giants whenever they go head to head.

And the anticipation surrounding Saturday's game is keener than ever on Merseyside, with United edging ahead of the Reds thanks to a 19th league title last term.

The fact there is no European football means Liverpool fans cannot wait to face the champs at Anfield.

But Kop chief King Kenny has taken the pressure off his men — and cranked up the mind games with Fergie — by claiming this is no more important than any other game.

He said: "People say this is the biggest game of the season but I don't look at any game as being big or small.

"It's another game, another three points for a win."

The Scot, though, admits the chance to inflict a first defeat of the season on United and move within three points of them is a big incentive.

He added: "The only difference this time is the fact that, if we win, we will move a bit closer to them.

"It's an opportunity to help yourself and dent their chances at the same time."

Dalglish has been impressed by United's start to the season but is eyeing their place at the top of the pile.

He added: "United have started the season very well. They're sitting on top at the moment and that's where everybody wants to be.

"They've had a lot of injuries too but coped well with them. Like all managers, Fergie is waiting to see how his players are after playing for their countries."

Liverpool have an enviable recent record against United, with three straight wins at Anfield. They have also come out on top in four of the last six league meetings.

But Dalglish insists that will count for nothing in Saturday's showdown — although he has guaranteed United a tough time.

He added: "In this fixture last season, we got our reward for playing very well and won 3-1.

"But we won't get anything on Saturday because of what we did the last time we faced off against them.

"We know what we're up against and so do they. Nobody will have an easy 90 minutes. That's what the Premier League is all about."

Reds fans are desperate to see skipper Steven Gerrard start his first game since March.

But Dalglish plans a head-count at Melwood today before picking his team. He said: "We will have to see how fit or otherwise everyone is when they come back from international duty before we can properly prepare for the weekend."

Meanwhile, Dalglish wants his team to make the most of some European experience when they travel to face Rangers next Tuesday.

The two clubs are focusing solely on domestic matches this season and will play in a glamour friendly at Ibrox.

But it is far from meaningless for Dalglish, who said: "Gaining experience is vital no matter what level you are — that's why we've organised this.

"It may be a friendly but it's very important for us. A lot of the players we have bought don't have any European experience at club level.

"It may sound strange to refer to this as gaining European experience when we're only going to Scotland, but we'll face a different team away from home.

"It won't do us any harm to play in that different environment."