Sir Alex will call on new signing Dimitar Berbatov, who was officially unveiled to the media at Old Trafford on Friday. The Bulgarian's arrival has further enhanced United's growing arsenal of goal-getters, subsequently fuelling the Reds boss' confidence of extending a run of seven wins and a draw in the last eight league meetings with Liverpool.

“People have said that I haven’t had great alternatives up front,” said the boss. “But now I have those options. When Cristiano comes back I can also play him as a striker. I think that if you look at the possible combinations, we look very strong now. The addition of Dimitar is a big, big advantage for us.

“Dimitar is capable of 20 goals, as are Tevez and Ronaldo. And I’ve always said that Rooney is capable of goals. I’ve said that last season we were maybe a bit unfair on him with the way we played him. But he is capable of goals, no question. If Wayne can add to that tally then you are looking at the level of goals needed to win things.”

Berbatov brings his own qualities to United's attack, not least experience according to the boss. "If you look at the ages of my forward players, they are very young," concedes the Scot. "Dimitar takes it up a notch in terms of experience and composure. His presence is also something we haven’t had since the likes of Eric Cantona and Teddy Sheringham. His balance and vision are excellent and his goal-ratio is very good. So he's bringing a lot of attributes to the team – without wanting to put too much pressure on him!"

Pressure comes with the territory when United visit Anfield, and this match is no different. But the Reds increasingly look in good shape to cope with the task at hand.