Revealed: Why Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers benched Steven Gerrard against Manchester United

 

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On the bench: Steven Gerrard has played 34 times against Manchester United but today he starts as a substitute
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Tom Farmery22 March 2015

Brendan Rodgers' decision not to include Steven Gerrard in his side to play Manchester United this afternoon has been criticised given the Liverpool captain's influence in major fixtures.

But Rodgers has said although he understands how much of an impact Gerrard can have, he insisted the decision for the best of his team.

The Liverpool captain has made 34 appearances against Manchester United which is more than any other player in this fixture, but will start on the bench this afternoon at Anfield.

"Steven Gerrard's history in this fixture, he is a top-class player but he understands the team is doing well," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"He has been supportive of the players and has been brilliant.

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"We need to be aggressive in our pressing and attack the game. We are conscious they are a good side.

"We have the momentum at the moment and love playing at Anfield.

"We have also shown that when we haven't played well, we can change the pace and gain the flow and momentums. The team is developing really well."

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