Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists that Liverpool's on-field problems are not due to Roy Hodgson's short reign at the helm. The former Fulham boss was appointed as Rafael Benitez's successor last summer, but several adverse results including home losses to Northampton Town, Blackpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers. And the recent defeat to Blackburn Rovers appeared to be the last straw, as the experienced gaffer lost his job to be replaced by the Reds' former player and manager Kenny Dalglish - until the end of the season.

Dalglish's first game in charge during his second spell as boss will be a trip to Old Trafford, to face an old enemy in the form of Manchester United.

And Ferguson has come out defending his rivals' former manager, as he believes the problems lie in the team as opposed to the departed gaffer.

"It’s as if it’s his fault," said the Scot, according to The Mirror. "But it’s more or less the team Roy inherited.

"Why did they take him on? He’s got experience, he’s been around the world, he’s ­managed Inter Milan twice, the Swiss national team, the Finnish national team and taken Fulham to the Europa League final.

"It’s a sad situation when ­managers don’t get the time or money, lose a few games and are then under pressure. It’s ­unbelievable.

"It’s a territory that’s widening and widening. We’re talking about this manager going and that ­manager going."The United boss also confirmed that he will be selecting his strongest line-up to welcome his counterpart Dalglish to Old Trafford.

He said: "When you’re playing a Premier League team, you’re more careful, even at home. I’ll be selecting my strongest team. "We’ve given ourselves a chance in the League, leading into the New Year, and the FA Cup is a nice distraction. Plus, it’s not just any tie, it’s a special FA Cup game against Liverpool. The atmosphere will be absolutely electric."