STEVEN GERRARD urged Liverpool to show more fight against Manchester United this week and Rafael Benitez, though seething at the slight on his tactics, answered the call to some extent yesterday by accusing Alex Ferguson of hypocrisy over Robbie Keane's €25.5-million price tag.
Ferguson's suggestion Liverpool paid over the odds for the Ireland captain this summer - "a surprise" was the United manager's description - drew Benitez into a rare spat with his Old Trafford counterpart on the eve of their latest emotive confrontation at Anfield.
Added spice has been thrown on today's affair by the possibility of the American George Gillett watching a Liverpool home game for the first time in nine months against a backdrop of protests over his and co-owner Tom Hicks's reign.
But it was allegations of paying excessive fees, from a rival who had expensive talent on the bench when they last met and will give a debut to the €38.7-million Dimitar Berbatov today, that is of greater concern to Benitez.
The Liverpool manager has long believed Ferguson's spending record is overlooked compared to his own; likewise his rotation policy.
With Keane yet to open his account this season, however, Benitez believes Ferguson's words will further motivate the Dubliner as Liverpool seek their first league win over United since April 2004.
"We cannot spend £60 million on two strikers like United; ours cost £40 million. But I was surprised when Ferguson said he wouldn't spend £20 million on Keane. I am surprised they commented on our business," said Benitez. "He's spent £30 million on players and bought many £20-million players over the last few years. Maybe he should think about how much money he has spent.
"The last time we played United they had Hargreaves, Tevez and Nani on the bench. That's £70 million worth. What Ferguson said could be a motivation for Keane. If he can score tomorrow it will be massive for him and for us.
"I think Robbie will score soon, maybe in the next 24 hours. If Keane scores goals and does really well for us then I will be pleased. The price doesn't matter."
United still ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Liverpool in March, albeit with Javier Mascherano sent off, and Benitez has taken just one point from Ferguson out of a possible 24 since he arrived in England.
The Spaniard has beaten United in the FA Cup, but Gerrard's comments that Liverpool's cup successes against United and Chelsea have not been reproduced in the league because of a lack of adventure saw Benitez's mood darken further when he was pressed on his captain's thoughts.
"A lot of teams have attacked United and have lost anyway," said Benitez, who defended his tactics against the leading clubs but admitted their results must improve for Liverpool to sustain a title challenge.
"I don't think our tactics need to change, because the games have been that close at Anfield. If we score first, then we can win the game. We haven't scored against them yet in the league, so we have to change that. It's that simple."
Gerrard is not the only Liverpool player to have courted controversy with Benitez this week, Jamie Carragher's autobiography also giving his manager plenty to digest. "I prefer not to say anything about the book," he said.
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are in Liverpool's squad for today's game, midfielder Gerrard is recovering from groin surgery while striker Torres has a hamstring problem.
Winger Albert Riera will get a debut but Brazilian midfielder Lucas will not be involved, having not yet arrived back from international duty in his homeland.
Owen Hargreaves (tendinitis) and Michael Carrick (ankle) return to United's squad.
Guardian Service
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