Rodgers revelling as the jigsaw falling into place

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had three new faces in the Anfield directors’ box as he watched his side beat Manchester United at Anfield yesterday.

Manchester United supporters, meanwhile, can only hope their new manager is as productive in the hours that remain before the transfer window closes.

Rodgers will today formalise the signings of the three players who were present on a memorable Anfield afternoon — Chelsea forward Victor Moses, Paris Saint Germain defender Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, the Sporting Lisbon centre-half.

Alex Ferguson’s successor David Moyes was giving away little about the status of his transfer dealings although a successful resolution to his pursuit of Everton’s attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini looks likely.

However, fellow Evertonian Leighton Baines seems unlikely to be making the same journey while United are still in pursuit of €36m rated Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

“We will continue working in what’s left of it,” said Moyes of what has been, so far, an unproductive transfer window for his club. “There are all sorts of things going on and we will know tomorrow.”

Wayne Rooney missed the fixture with a cut to his head, the result of a training ground collision with Phil Jones’ boot, and will be out for three weeks. Liverpool goalscorer Daniel Sturridge will be assessed after carrying a thigh injury into the game.

United full-back Phil Jones was also replaced, before half-time, after twisting his ankle to add to the problems for England manager Roy Hodgson, who was also reportedly unhappy at the treatment he received from his former club and the seat they provided for him outside the Anfield directors’ box.

Moyes might also have been forgiven for leaving Anfield in a mood of pessimism after seeing his team collect just four points from their opening three games although the Scotsman insisted he was happy with his players.

“I always knew it was going to be tough,” said Moyes of his new club’s start to the campaign. “It would have been a tough ask, no matter if Sir Alex had been sitting here, to play these games.

“No doubt, this is a big fixture for both clubs, like Chelsea was a big fixture. I actually think we have come out of the three games and shown we are in good shape.

“I thought they dominated for long periods without having the final bit, the cross and pass. I was really pleased.”