Stapleton: Must-win game for United
Former Old Trafford hero Frank Stapleton believes Manchester United’s title challenge will be all but over if they fall 14 points behind Chelsea on tomorrow.
United face a daunting trip to Anfield to take on fierce rivals Liverpool and Stapleton insists Alex Ferguson’s side cannot contemplate defeat should the current leaders take maximum points against in-form Tottenham.
After goalless draws in their last three games, including an embarrassing stalemate against Exeter in the FA Cup, United are desperate for three points to get their title challenge back on track.
Stapleton said: “If United were to lose or even draw the game, then you’re looking for Chelsea to really mess up.
“It makes it really difficult for the league – it will be almost impossible.
“United players still talk about overhauling Newcastle a few years back, but there’s a bit more resilience about this Chelsea side. It’s a long haul against a team of that calibre.”
However, Stapleton believes it is quite possible Chelsea will drop points at Spurs, allowing United to close the gap with a win and reignite their own title charge.
“We could see it turning out the other way,” Stapleton told www.premierleague.com
“It will give United a new incentive. They’ve been playing well lately as their result sequence shows, as well as their performances.”
Stapleton believes striker Wayne Rooney has yet to perform to the best of his ability since his £27m (€38.5m) transfer from Everton earlier this season.
“We are still waiting for Wayne Rooney to fully emerge,” Stapleton added.
“Generally his performances haven’t been up to scratch, perhaps we still expect too much from him.
“That’s the thing with big game players. But it’s these sort of games when the manager doesn’t tend to worry so much about them.
“In the last few weeks Paul Scholes has been in really good form, especially with his goals.”
United are likely to face new Liverpool signing Fernando Morientes, a player Stapleton believes could turn the season for Rafael Benitez’s side.
“Morientes is a big coup for Liverpool,” he added.
“I think the way he leads the line is impressive. He’s got decent ability, he’s very good in the air, is decent on the ground and has lots of experience, especially in the Champions League.
“He’s just the sort of player Liverpool need. In their recent performances Benitez has played a lot of young forwards which is a lot to ask for a club like Liverpool. The manager’s done great considering as it could have been very easy to fall apart.”
Stapleton believes Gabriel Heinze has been impressive in United’s defence, who have also benefited this season from the return of Rio Ferdinand from suspension.
He added: “Heinze has been a major influence – he’s been a revelation. He’s settled into the team as if he’s been playing there a long time. His level of consistency has been the same all the time.
“The contribution of (Mikael) Silvestre and (Rio) Ferdinand at the back has also been impressive.”
Stapleton has fond memories of games between the two most successful clubs in English football, which he insists were of equal importance when he was playing.
“The atmosphere in my day was every bit as competitive,” he said.
“There’s always been a rivalry. I only know of one player directly transferred between the clubs – that says it all.
“It’s going to be a tight match. The need of Manchester United is not to drop any more points. Their need is greater than Liverpool’s.”
