Milner rooting for United but admits: I can’t bear to watch

JAMES MILNER will break the habit of a lifetime and become a Manchester United fan for one night only tomorrow — but draws the line at watching them play. As someone who grew up in Leeds, the idea of wanting a home victory at Old Trafford is as far removed from anything Milner (above) could imagine. But Liverpool need United — who are at their lowest ebb of the campaign — to do them a favour tomorrow by ending Manchester City’s 10-game winning run. ‘It’ll be the first time in my life,’ Milner said with a grimace when asked if he was comfortable wanting United to win. ‘I don’t watch (games like these). It’s a waste of energy, isn’t it, willing the ball into the goal. I can’t do anything about it. ‘Maybe I’ll put my phone away for a couple of hours and check it after. Maybe I’ll go and grab some food or whatever. There are three games left. United will be a challenge for City, but any game is tough in the Premier League, no matter who you play. ‘We’ve still got tough games ourselves — and we have to win those to keep the pressure up.’ Liverpool have won eight consecutive games in all competitions since a 0-0 draw with Everton on March 3 — but even that has not been enough to shake off relentless City. ‘For a long time we’ve had our head round the fact we just need to win all of our games,’ said Milner. ‘If we do that and it’s not good enough, you have to hold your hands up and say, “Well done City”. They’re a top team and they’ve done it before. ‘For us, it’s about encouragement at how we have improved.’