Rooney and Hernandez on bench for Reds clash

Manchester United strikers Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez were both surprisingly dropped to the bench for the trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

The absence of Rooney, sent off for England on Tuesday and banned for the opening three matches of Euro 2012, was one of seven changes made by Alex Ferguson from the team which beat Norwich, with goalkeeper David de Gea returning at the expense of Anders Lindegaard.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who has made three substitute appearances since a groin operation in March, was handed his first start in seven months as fellow England international Andy Carroll made way from the side which defeated Everton a fortnight ago.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Jose Enrique, Kuyt, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Gerrard, Suarez. Subs: Doni, Agger, Carroll, Henderson, Spearing, Bellamy, Robinson.

Man Utd: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Young, Jones, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Welbeck. Subs: Lindegaard, Anderson, Rooney, Hernandez, Carrick, Nani, Valencia.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)