RUSH: REDS CAN BEAT UNITED

Paul Hassall 18 March 2008

Ian Rush is convinced Liverpool can blow the title race wide open by bringing their seven game winless run against Manchester United in the league to an end with victory at Old Trafford on Easter Sunday.
The legendary Reds striker believes the clash with Alex Ferguson's men will be one of the toughest tests of the season for Rafael Benitez's side, but is confident they now have the winning mentality to end the day with three valuable points.

"Liverpool are on a fantastic run of form at the moment, having won their last seven games but their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday is the biggest test so far," said Rush.

"Manchester United are going for the title and they have some wonderful players, particularly in attack. But I honestly believe Liverpool can go there and win because I think they are playing well enough to beat any team in this country and the rest of Europe at the moment. This is no disrespect to United, who have set the standards for others to live up to for some time now and they remain the team to beat in this country. "Getting a positive result against them will be as tough as ever, particularly with them battling for the title, but Liverpool are playing so well at the moment they should go there with confidence that they can beat them."

Rush has been impressed with the way the Reds have responded following their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Barnsley and feels they now have the nucleus of a side to match anyone in Europe.

"Liverpool have taken 22 points from their last eight league games which makes them the form team in the country," said Rush.

"Against Reading on Saturday they showed that they have the ability to grind out wins when they are not at their best, which is a really good quality to have. "

More and more people are beginning to acknowledge the fact that the spine of this Liverpool side is one of the best around. "From Pepe Reina in goal right through to Fernando Torres in attack there is steel and there is style. "And if they can keep a clean sheet in defence, there is every chance of Steven Gerrard or Torres grabbing a goal at the other end." The former Wales international admits it will be difficult for Rafael Benitez's side to extend their winning run to eight matches, but thinks that if they show enough belief and perform at their highest level, a victory will not be beyond their grasp.

"It won't be easy to beat United, and Liverpool will have to be at their best to stand any chance of doing so. "But if they go to Old Trafford with the belief that they can win, then I can see no reason why this won't happen."