The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, says he expects "sparks to fly" at what he calls Manchester United's derby game against Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow lunchtime. The match between the two rivals is always keenly anticipated but the visitors' faltering title hopes and Wayne Rooney's midweek comments about his hatred for Liverpool have given an extra edge to the occasion.
"Liverpool have always been our main rival," said Ferguson. "It does not matter what the position in the league, as far as I am concerned, it has always been the derby game. It will always be that way because of the geography and history of the two cities. We are the two most successful football clubs in England. When they get together you expect sparks to fly."
If United win or draw tomorrow it would virtually end Liverpool's title hopes and leave United well clear at the top with nine more matches to seal the championship. Ferguson signalled that his team are now counting down the remaining obstacles to a third consecutive title, but he does not believe that his side will win the Champions League and FA Cup as well.
"I won't be holding anyone back," he said. "It is Manchester United against Liverpool. It is not a time to hold back. It is a time to go forward, enjoy it and keep expressing yourself. But no one is talking about the quintuple. I don't think it can be done.
"We have 10 games left so we must try and get a result and then look at the next nine. You do start to count down and eventually you run out of games. That is not psychology. It is about where you are in the league."
"This team will win more league championships," he added. "Whatever happens, this year is only part of the future which looks very good for our young players. There is evidence that we have a group that can stay together for quite a few years."
Ferguson has defended Wayne Rooney over his declaration that he hates Liverpool. The comments were made on MUTV in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday night's Champions League win over Internazionale and were eventually removed from United's official website yesterday afternoon for fear of inflaming passions ahead of tomorrow's match at Old Trafford.
As an Everton supporter, a former Everton player and a member of Manchester United's Champions League-winning team, Rooney has taken plenty of abuse from Liverpool fans down the years. But Ferguson has claimed the England man probably used the wrong word.
"Hate is an easy word to say, easier than dislike. Maybe it is not the right word," said Ferguson.
"But Wayne has had plenty of stick from Liverpool fans over the years, so it is understandable. He supported Everton as a kid and the rivalry between them and Liverpool is pretty ferocious now. Since then he has come to Manchester United and he wants to win. It is nothing out of the ordinary really."
Ferguson will make changes after the defeat of Inter, with Carlos Tevez, Park Ji-sung and Anderson among those who could return.
