Gerrard back to best for Devils, says Murphy

DANNY MURPHY has a message for Manchester United — Steven Gerrard is back to his best.

That was the Liverpool ace's verdict after witnessing Gerrard's comeback in the UEFA Cup win in Arnhem, following criticism from boss Gerard Houllier.

Gerrard had not started a match since Houllier's broadside, but he was on from the start in the 1-0 win over Vitesse and now he is raring to go for Sunday's Anfield showdown against United.

Houllier has already intimated that Gerrard, no doubt fired up and determined after his recent exclusion from the side, will be thrown into the cauldron that is a Liverpool collision with their most bitter rivals from up the East Lancs Road at Old Trafford.

Murphy has been hugely impressed with how Gerrard has responded to being axed, in training and on the pitch against the Dutch on Thursday.

''I felt Stevie did very well, he showed appetite, he was biting into the tackles, which is the Steven Gerrard we all know and love. Physically he looked back to his sharp self, which is really good for the team,'' he said.

''A fully fit Steven makes us a better team than when we haven't got him. He took the criticism really well, he has really bounced back.''

And Murphy added that Gerrard has shown the right sort of character to put behind him recent problems: ''He didn't dwell on what happened for days and days because that can happen, and I have been there myself.

''He really did show a great appetite in training, he has been fantastic and the best player by a mile in training. It maybe shows that it can work, a kick up the backside, because it has worked for me in the past.

''His performance in Arnhem was the Stevie we all know and long may that continue.''

Now Murphy and Gerrard aim for a continuation of their scoring form against United, having beaten the Old Trafford five times on the trot.

Murphy has twice scored the winner against United in that run, with Gerrard hit a cracker against Sir Alex Ferguson's side at Anfield two seasons ago.

''Me and Stevie seem to do well against Barthez, long may that continue and we hope he's playing on Sunday,'' added Murphy with a smile.

Boss Houllier reckons the midweek success in Europe will have got his team in the right frame of mind for Sunday's battle.

He said: ''The victory in Arnhem was probably the perfect result coming into the Manchester United game.

''We are aiming at continuing our excellent record against United, we are looking forward to it.''

Houllier dismissed suggestions that United's current form gives Liverpool the edge.

''Teams go through difficult periods at some stage and they seem to be coming out of it,'' he said.

''When we met them last season they were in great form, we put an end to a long winning run for them, but this time we are both in the same situation, they have picked up their form and we are also getting back to normal.

Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy goes into the match looking to add to his 16-goal tally.

He's scored five goals in the last two games his two against Basle in midweek coming on the back of a hat-trick in the Newcastle match.

Both games ended in victories for United and van Nistelrooy now looks to have fully recovered from the hamstring injury that saw him miss seven matches this season.

Van Nistelrooy's scoring exploits 52 goals in 68 games since arriving at Old Trafford have seen him compared to some of the great names in the game.

However, he has been told to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Assistant manager Carlos Quieroz said: ''Ruud can improve but he cannot progress thinking about being compared to other forwards.

''What is important for Ruud and for ourselves is that tomorrow should be a better day. He must perform better than the day before.

''That is the way he should think, that is the way he should behave every day. At the moment he is one of the best forwards around and a dream to work with. Our goal is to make him better.''

Gary Neville has recovered from a thigh injury and is due to return to the side on Sunday at Anfield.

But Laurent Blanc remains doubtful after missing the Champions League victory in Switzerland, after taking an injury to his calf.