Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher says that the pain of defeat to Liverpool this season is fresh in the memory as the teams prepare to meet this weekend. Liverpool beat United 2-0 at Anfield earlier this season, following on from a 4-1 win at Old Trafford in March last year. These defeats that drive United forward, says Fletcher.
“It would be very dangerous to think this is a poor Liverpool side coming to Old Trafford because they will be anything but,” the Scotland captain told the Manchester Evening News.
“It would be a huge mistake to think that Liverpool aren’t a threat. They maybe haven’t had the season we expected after the one they had last year but they are still a dangerous side.
“They are still the same team they were last year in the main. We know what they are capable of because they pushed us all the way and dished out that defeat here and the one at Anfield this season. They are still fresh in our memories.
“They still have a lot to play for because they are battling for fourth spot. On their day they are capable of beating anyone.
“We have to learn the lessons from last year’s game. The warnings are there. If you are not 100 per cent focused and you make mistakes then Liverpool will punish you.
“After last season everyone thought they would kick-on this year and would be right up there again. A lot of people tipped them to win the league. It hasn’t turned out that way for whatever reason.
“It is a real surprise to me they haven’t been up with us. But they’ll still be fired up to win at Old Trafford again.
“Last March’s defeat was difficult to swallow at the time. We were in the middle of the run-in and to lose against Liverpool, who were challenging us and especially at home, was tough.
“It is not about revenge. It is simply about the match and the title run-in.”
Fletcher has become United’s preeminent defensive midfielder this season with 32 appearances and four goals. Liverpool beat Portsmouth 4-1 at Anfield on Monday to reignite the Dippers’ belief that Rafa Benitez’ side can make fourth place this season.
I honestly cannot see anything other than 3 points this weekend. I’m hoping I won’t be forced to eat my words, but as long as we don’t have any serious injuries between now and the match I think we’ll do just fine.
Fancy a fiver on Fletcher to score now.
Unfortunately, I think the score will be:
Sewer rats 2 Liverpool 0
Rats! Feeling hungry are you?
Starting to crack up in the race for 7th spot, eh?
If Liverpool make 4th spot I will do a 90 minute moon last home game of the season ul no it’s me.! East234