Jordan Henderson: Man United vs Liverpool is no pub match, however bad we're playing

 

That last remark was made with just a hint of steel in his voice, and the pointed nature couldn’t be missed, even if it was offered in the polite, almost gentle manner that marks the Liverpool midfielder out as rare among the modern breed of footballer.
Yes, Liverpool can hold no argument with the critics who deride them at present – no matter how viciously made – because their form this season leaves their position defenceless.
That doesn’t mean though, they will surrender meekly at Old Trafford...or feel inferior to their enduring rivals.
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“Of course, people are going to criticise when things aren’t going well and we have to take that on the chin,” he said.
“As players we have to take on responsibility and we have to go out there and prove people wrong, do what we know we can do, play at the highest level and beat the best teams.
"So we have got to remain confident and keep the belief that we can win the game.”
For many Manchester United fans, Sunday has already taken on the form of payback for last season, when their side was destroyed on home turf by their most bitter of enemies.
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The Scousers are there for the taking, they believe, and revenge will be sweet.
Henderson though, sees it differently. They won the same fixture last season so comfortably because they were the superior side, and nothing he has seen this season has changed that view, despite the sense of siege that currently grips Anfield.
Asked if United are a better side than Liverpool now, his eyes again narrow. “No. I see the quality and character that we’ve got at this club every day in training,” he said.
“We’ve shown it in glimpses, I know, but I think we can definitely go there and get a good result. I’m not saying Man U aren’t a good team because they are and they’ve got fantastic players, but so have we.
"Ok, it’s all well and good me sitting here and saying that and it’s up to us to go and do the business.