Source: Liverpool_Echo
Late Fernando Torres selection pays off for Liverpool FC
RAFA BENITEZ revealed it was only on the team coach going to Anfield that he decided to use Spanish striker Fernando Torres from the start against Manchester United.[LNB]The under-pressure Reds boss waited until the last moment before deciding Torres, who was struggling with a groin injury, could cope with a battle against the Premier League champions that could make or break his side's season.[LNB]After the 2-0 win, Benitez said: 'In the morning I had decided that he would be involved, but I needed convincing he could start rather than just be a substitute.[LNB]'I talked with Fernando on the coach, and that was when I was really convinced that he could play.[LNB]'Playing Fernando was a difficult decision. He was not training, the same as Steven Gerrard.[LNB]'But after talking with him we decided it was better to start the game with him.'[LNB]Defeat would have meant Liverpool's worst run since 1953, when they were relegated from the top flight.[LNB]But Torres ensured a first win from five attempts by firing the opener in the victory.[LNB]Substitute David Ngog added a second in stoppage time after Nemanja Vidic and Javier Mascherano had both been sent off in a classic confrontation between the bitterest of rivals.[LNB]Benitez decided it was better to begin the match with Torres short of fitness, rather than try to cope without him.[LNB]'You could see he was not 100% fit, but sometimes 80% of Fernando can make a difference,' added the Reds boss.[LNB]'We had to be very careful with him, that is why we took him off near the end.[LNB]'You have to take care of him. But we were waiting for that final pass and when it came we knew he would score.'[LNB]Liverpool had been subjected to brutal criticism before the game following four successive losses, their worst run in 22 years.[LNB]And Benitez was relieved as the run was ended against the champions.[LNB]'I am very pleased for the club, the players and all the staff,' he said. 'We needed to change our luck with a win, and this was a fantastic win.
