PFA Exclusive interview: Gary Neville

Liverpool have made their worst start to a season for over 20 years and a win for Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday would surely all but end the Reds’ fading title hopes.

Rafa Benitez’s men have lost their last four games in all competitions and the vultures are starting to circle above the head of the under-pressure Liverpool manager.

In contrast, United are riding high at the top of the Premier League and a victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men would open up a 10-point gap between themselves and their fierce rivals.

Givemefootball’s Mark Shail logged the thoughts of United’s long-serving skipper, Gary Neville, ahead of what is a crucial game for both clubs.

Q: What do you make of Liverpool's start to the campaign?

A: Liverpool haven’t had the best start to the season but even if we beat them it would be too early to write off their challenge. The fact that they lost in the Champions League (against Lyon in midweek) and we won in Moscow won’t matter come Sunday.

Q: Being at Anfield, is the pressure on Liverpool?

A: They’ll be in front of their own fans so we will have to be on top of our game to make sure we do well. It’s always the same. We can’t knock them out of the title race. There are only nine games gone so it’s far too early to talk about that. Any team in the top four is capable if going on and winning six or seven matches on the trot and getting back in it.

Q: Having played in so many of these games, you know more than most how special the matches between Liverpool and United are?

A: I’ve never said I don’t respect Liverpool. You have to respect a team that’s been as successful as they have and have their history and tradition. But I’m a United fan and the rivalry has been well-documented. Liverpool has been the biggest game of the season, going back 30 years.

Our rivalry with Liverpool is bigger than our rivalry with Manchester City. Liverpool may have beaten us twice in the league last season, but I wouldn’t say we are looking for revenge. The most important thing at the end of the season is winning the league and we’re delighted we won it last season.

Q: You must be delighted with the start to the season that Wayne Rooney has made?

A: I wouldn’t swap him for anybody. Wayne Rooney has such a big influence on our team. Sometimes the world’s best-player accolades go to the people who are most eye-catching and skilful. Wayne obviously has great skill, but he also has incredible team qualities.

His work-rate, defending and goalscoring ability all stand out. He is simply a fantastic all-round player.