Boss confident after yesterday's success

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson hopes a fully-refreshed Fernando Torres will provide the spearhead for victory againstManchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Torres was left out of the Europa League 4-1 win over Steaua Bucharest along with a number of first-choice players as the Reds boss made eight changes in an attempt to give his side the best chance at Old Trafford.

The Spain striker has enjoyed a fruitful time at Old Trafford in the past, scoring on his last three visits and terrorising centre-back Nemanja Vidic on a number of occasions. However, Hodgson does not read too much into past results - which may be a good thing as his record against United with Fulham was not that good.

"I give it no credence, none at all," said Hodgson in response to Torres' record against United.

"But let's hope on Sunday we see a great performance from him. He is Fernando Torres - he is going to have bad games and wonder games.

"As far as I'm concerned you don't swing between wonder and hopeless. Either you are a good player or you are not and he is a very good player."