Playing at Anfield is like ‘going to hell’, says Man Utd old boy

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre says playing at Anfield is like “going to hell”.

United travel to Liverpool tomorrow lunchtime knowing a win over their North-West rivals will put them 10 points ahead of them with just eight games gone.

And Silvestre, who says you can “feel the hate” from the Liverpool fans, after experiencing numerous trips to Mersyeside, is sure that United can cope with Liverpool’s attacking talent.

The 40-year-old centre-back, who played 361 times for United, says Liverpool are missing as “clinical player” and is convinced United’s forwards will be more dangerous than the threat posed by Liverpool’s forward players.

“They (Liverpool) are good players but hardly world class yet. Over the course of the ninety minutes you would expect them to make some chances because they are talented but there is not one goal-machine from Salah, Firmino, Mane or Coutinho. They are missing that clinical player because at the end of the day it is this one you have to be worried about, the one you expect to finish 20-25 times a season,” Silvestre said.

“Liverpool doesn’t have one yet. United are going to be tested but I think they can control these guys.

“If I was a Liverpool fan I’d be more worried about strikers facing their defence than United. Especially Lukaku and Rashford. The problem with Liverpool is when they lose possession they do not protect the back four so they are exposed to one- v-ones on many occasions. That’s because they expend so much energy going forward as a unit.

“You feel like you’re going to hell. You are not welcome and you can feel the hate for sure. It’s a hostile environment and it’s a good occasion to see how you react in adversity. It’s the best place to win games.”