Silvestre: Going to Liverpool is like heading to HELL..you feel the hate there for sure (BUT IT'S THE BEST PALCE IF YOU WIN)
MIKAEL SILVESTRE has revealed the hate-filled atmosphere at Anfield makes playing Liverpool feel like a trip “to hell” for Manchester United.
But the five-time Premier League winner and former Old Trafford defender believes there is no better place for United to test their title credentials than in tomorrow lunchtime’s bitter showdown.
French star Silvestre made his United debut at Anfield the day after signing for Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999. And a dramatic 3-2 win on enemy territory 18 years ago is a day etched on his memory.
He is convinced if Jose Mourinho’s stars pull off victory against Jurgen Klopp’s side it will do wonders for their belief.
Silvestre, now 40, said: “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, but it’s a good occasion to see how you react in adversity. It’s the best place to win games.” So far, United, unbeaten in second place, have not come up against one of the Premier League’s big guns.
Although Liverpool have the attacking firepower to destroy any defence, Silvestre reckons Klopp’s Fab Four frontmen are not world class – and trail £75million Romelu Lukaku and teenager Marcus Rashford in pure goal threat.
“They are good players, but hardly world class yet,” said Silvestre, talking exclusively to 888sport. “Over the course of the 90 minutes you would expect Liverpool to make some chances as they are talented.
“But there is not one goal-machine from Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane (ruled out with a hamstring injury) or Philippe Coutinho. “They are missing that clinical goalscorer because at the end of the day it is that player who is the one you have to be worried about – the one you expect to finish 20-25 times a season. “Unlike United and Lukaku, Liverpool don’t have one yet. “United will be tested, but I think they can control these guys. If I was a Liverpool fan I’d be more worried about the strikers facing their defence than United. Especially Lukaku and Rashford.”
MIKAEL SILVESTRE predicts a 2-2 draw tomorrow – available at 11/1 with 888sport. T&Cs apply. Odds subject to change.