Man United’s Sir Alex Ferguson: I don’t look at Liverpool’s league position

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he doesn’t bother checking Liverpool’s position any more because Brendan Rodgers’ men are so far adrift of the Premier League title race.

The Reds take on Ferguson’s men at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Merseyside outfit on a four-game losing streak at Manchester United – their last win was in March 2009.

Liverpool have endured a difficult three years, with Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish all failing to reverse the club’s ailing fortunes before Rodgers was appointed in May.

The 18-time English champions are currently trailing league leaders United by a staggering 21 points, and Ferguson no longer looks at where the Reds are in the table.

“I never even thought about that until it was mentioned on the television this week,” Ferguson said.

“I don’t really look at that. I look at that mob that’s behind us, the team that’s directly behind us. Their programme, who they’ve got next. I do that all the time.

“Of course it’s a surprise. Last year we were 30 points ahead of Arsenal and I’d never have believed that in a million years. If you look at the rivalry over the last 20-odd years it’s quite amazing.”

Ferguson also revealed he always “dreamed” of United passing Liverpool’s tally of 18 league titles, with the Red Devils aiming for a 20th top-flight crown this term.

“Could I have imagined that? Oh yes, I’ve been dreaming about [going past Liverpool’s mark],” added Ferguson.

They had fantastic teams, they had a good management structure, two great managers in a row. Bill Shankly created it and Bob Paisley carried it on.

“But history repeats itself. Cycles repeat themselves. That’s where we probably as a club are more aware than anyone. We know it happens and we have to be one step ahead.”