Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United not to sit back against Liverpool, insisting the Reds' recent form could make them even more dangerous. The former United striker said he would be happy with a point at Anfield, adding that Ruben Amorim's side must attack or risk being 'killed'.
United head into the match after a 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break, while Liverpool have lost three consecutive games, most recently a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. Rooney believes Liverpool's pride will be stung, making them a tougher opponent.
'Just with Liverpool losing three games, I think that pride kicks in and the fans will know, the fans are not stupid, they know and will get behind the team and push them,' Rooney told The Wayne Rooney Show. 'So for United, I think going there, if United come away with a point, I think that would be huge.'
Rooney also highlighted the pressure on Liverpool, saying a fourth straight loss—especially to United at home—would be damaging. He noted that while United fans might be content with a draw, Liverpool cannot afford another defeat.
'I think the pressure for this game, I think purely because I don't think United fans will be expecting three points in this game, where in other games they are,' he said. 'I think they'll go in and say, if we can get a point we'll be happy with that, where I think for Liverpool, if Liverpool lose four games in a row and they lose to Man United at Anfield, I think the pressure is definitely on Liverpool for this game.'
Rooney urged Amorim to stick with two forwards close together, as in the last game, and warned against a defensive approach. 'I think if you sit back against Liverpool, they'll kill you,' he said.
