Fergie says Liverpool clash still the biggest game of the season
Even if the two erstwhile dominant clubs appear to be battling for second place behind Chelsea, Ferguson regards the meetings with Liverpool as the highlight of any campaign.
“There is tremendous pressure on ourselves and Liverpool, more so than any other club,” said the Scot.
“If you look at the history books, there is no question we are the two most successful clubs in Britain.
“Because of the geography, there has always been a competition between Manchester and Liverpool and because they are just along the road, if one club is doing well, the other is sitting on your doorstep having to suffer.
“Some of our players, and maybe even some of our fans, may think differently but this is the game I look forward to most because it reflects the very reason for me being here.
“When I first came south, the challenge was to overhaul Liverpool. I knew what I had to do and thankfully I did it.”
However, Liverpool’s recent form - 11 wins in their last 12 league outings - has made them favourites to pip United in the tussle for second place and manager Rafael Benitez says he wants to emulate r Alex Ferguson and spend 20 years at the same club - winning trophies all the way.
Victory will see Liverpool leapfrog United into second place and stand two points ahead of their north-west rivals with two games in hand.
Benitez therefore has much to concentrate his mind in the short term - but he is looking much further ahead too.
“I am a great admirer of Sir Alex,” he said. “He has done a wonderful job at United for many years. But yes, I would also like to spend 20 years at the same club like he has.
“If I could do that at Liverpool it would mean we will have won many trophies. I am also aware of the criticism Sir Alex has been having recently, and I sympathise. People have very short memories.”
Benitez is taking nothing for granted this weekend, even though Liverpool are in such outstanding form.
“In games like this, you never know what will happen,” he said.
In team news Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended after being sent off against Manchester City but French new boy, Patrice Evra, who had to be substituted at half-time on his debut, looks set to be given another chance.
Evra’s fellow new recruit Nemanja Vidic will probably have to content himself with a place on the bench while Alan Smith faces a Saturday fitness test before Ferguson decides whether to risk him in midfield.
Liverpool have signed John Arne Riise to a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2009.
The 25-year-old Norwegian has followed fellow Istanbul heroes Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher, Djimi Traore and Dietmar Hamann in extending their contracts at the club this season.
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