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Manchester United v Liverpool: Dirk Kuyt relishing opportunity to star at Old Trafford
If Manchester United fans’ attention is elsewhere on Saturday, it may be to Dirk Kuyt’s benefit. A hat-trick against United last season and a late winning goal to end their involvement in the FA Cup last month testify to the Liverpool striker’s effectiveness against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
It is in keeping with much of his Anfield career that Kuyt is seen as playing a supporting role in someone else’s narrative, but he is just as likely to assume centre stage himself.
“I have good memories from our recent games with United,” said Kuyt. “To score a hat-trick last season and the winning goal in the FA Cup tie, which was a major game for the club, was special, especially when you do this in front of the Kop.
“Every time Liverpool play Manchester United, there is always something going on around it. That is what makes it such a special game. These games have passion and emotion.
“As long as there is respect for each other before and after the game, there is no problem. You need to respect the emotion of the occasion. That doesn’t mean you kick each other for 90 minutes, but it does mean you shake hands before the game and after it.
“It is why all games against United and Everton are the ones you enjoy much more than others. There is a lot of tension and people are against you, but that is part of football.
“The fixture could not be any bigger than it already was, or the rivalry any greater. Liverpool versus Manchester United will always mean something a bit more to the clubs and that is how it should be.”
After five years in which his place in the team was guaranteed, it has been a season of re-adjustment for Kuyt.
Even his recent winner against United was scored as a substitute, and he is not presuming he will start at Old Trafford.
Despite turning 31 last summer, he says any suggestion his career is already winding down is premature. “It has been difficult this season because I like to play every game and the more I play, the better I feel,” said the Dutchman.
“It was hard in the first couple of months when I wasn’t playing too many games, or the same amount I am used to. I have to change but I still think I am as fit as I was, or even fitter, and my stats in training and in games are at the same level.
“I know I’m over 30 but I still feel physically very strong. I want to stay at the highest level for as long as possible, to get Liverpool back into the Champions League and to be part of the squad that plays in the competition. In the future, everyone know Feyenoord is still a special place to me, but I am not thinking about anything but Liverpool now.”
Inevitably, Luis Suárez will absorb a lot of the focus at Old Trafford. He is likely to make his first start since suspension and begin the process of altering what his team-mates believe to be misguided perceptions of him.
“He is a great guy on and off the pitch,” said Kuyt. “He is a fantastic worker, who likes to win every training session so you can imagine how much he wants to win games, cups and the league with Liverpool. He loves the game and wants to improve himself every hour he works.”