Liverpool boss Dalglish has no special plans for Rooney

Liverpool manager Dalglish says his team can't afford to focus solely on United's in-form striker as Red Devils have plenty of players who can hurt them tonight

Liverpool boss Dalglish has no special plans for Rooney

Liverpool manager Dalglish says his teamu00a0 can't afford to focus solely on United's in-form striker as Red Devils have plenty of players who can hurt them tonight

Wayne Rooney. PIC/Getty Images

However, he accepts he cannot afford to put special plans in place to contain the former Everton striker as their arch-rivals have plenty of players who can cause them problems.

Dimitar Berbatov scored a match-winning hat-trick in the 3-2 win at Old Trafford back in September ufffd before Dalglish's time in charge ufffd and also won the penalty which Ryan Giggs converted to clinch FA Cup victory in January.

Rooney, whose record against Liverpool is not great with just two goals in 12 appearances, has scored five in his last five Premier League matches with three in three games.

Dalglish needs no reminding of the 25-year-old's talent but will not focus entirely on stopping the England international. "I don't think Wayne Rooney has to justify his abilities as a footballer to anyone," said the Scot.
"Anyone involved in football would know he's a top-class player.

"He has the ability to do all the things you talk about ufffd and we hope he doesn't do them Sunday.

"It's difficult to keep players like that quiet at times but it's not difficult to lay plans.

"It's our job, whether it works or not remains to be seen. If you can't have an idea about what you want to do in a game then you've got a problem.

"But it's not just Wayne you need to concern yourself with ufffd it's Manchester United.

"They are a top team and that's why they are top of league at the moment."

At least Dalglish will be better prepared to face age-old foe Sir Alex Ferguson than he was when he took over in January.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels