Rodgers surprised at Moyes’ pre-match comments

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he was surprised at David Moyes’ comments ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford at the weekend, ESPN understands.

In the run up to the match, the Manchester United manager described his opponents as favourites, something which Rodgers say he would never say about a visiting team to Anfield.

The Reds proved the former Everton boss correct by easing past the reigning Premier League champions to move within four points of league leaders Chelsea with nine games left to play.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard has backed his manager to be handed a new deal by the club’s hierarchy, according to the Metro.

The Liverpool boss has been linked with a move to both Manchester City and Barcelona in recent days after enjoying a fine second season in charge of the Merseyside club, and his captain, who bagged a brace from the penalty spot on Sunday afternoon, has described him as ‘a revelation’.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur are set to enter the race for Liverpool target Yehven Konoplyanka, the Mirror understands.

The Reds missed out on securing a deadline day deal for the Ukraine international at the eleventh hour, and are set to reignite their interest when the transfer window reopens.