Rodgers: Van Gaal right for United
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has experienced the harsh realities of his philosophies being called into question but unlike some critics he has no doubt about the credentials of Louis van Gaal to get things right at Manchester United.
When the pair last met back in December at Old Trafford United won 3-0, a result which bizarrely actually had more of an effect on the beaten visitors.
They have not lost in the Premier League since and, ahead of the clash at Anfield on Sunday, the perception of Liverpool - and Rodgers - has changed completely.
That loss against United was the last in a run of eight matches which brought just eight points and left Liverpool in 10th place, seven points off fourth.
However, after taking 33 points from a possible 39 they are just two points behind United, who occupy the final Champions League spot, and only four adrift of second-placed Manchester City before the weekend and they have the air of a team finishing the season strongly.
United, by contrast, are still failing to impress in Van Gaal's first season in charge despite their league position with many questioning whether he actually knows what his best side is and whether he is getting the best out of the talent he has at his disposal.
But Rodgers believes that should not reflect badly on the Dutchman.
"I don't think there is any convincing (required). He has shown over his career that he is a top-class manager," he said.
"He will have seen, coming into this country for the first time, the challenges of this football - it is why it is the most competitive league in the world.
"The Premier League is different from the leagues he will have worked in before but I don't think you can argue with his credentials.
"There is no question about the philosophies he has put in place at Ajax or Barcelona or his achievements and when he leaves Manchester United he will still be one of the great managers."
Rodgers found himself under similar scrutiny after Liverpool's poor first half of the season but things have turned around and he is flavour of the month once again.
He admits August to December was a tough period for him, when his methods were being called into question, but believes he has come out the other side stronger for it.
"I've said to coaches and players that when the criticism comes, deserved or undeserved, you won't like it but you have to accept it as it is part of the game," he added.
Bryan Robson has paid Chris Smalling a huge compliment by likening his recent performances to those of Paul McGrath and Gary Pallister.
Five years after signing for United, Smalling is yet to convince many United fans he and Phil Jones are suitable long-term replacements for Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who left Old Trafford last summer after long and distinguished careers.
The 25-year-old has been the object of a few taunts, most recently in the Manchester derby last November when he was sent off in the 39th minute.
Smalling, already on a booking, showed a complete lack of composure by hacking down James Milner in the corner to earn his second yellow and United went on to lose 1-0 against a City team that was there for the taking.
Smalling has since shown signs of improvement, though. His commanding performance in last week's 3-0 victory over Tottenham caught Robson's eye and the former United captain thinks that bodes well for Louis van Gaal ahead of Sunday's trip to Anfield.
"Chris is a good defender," Robson told Press Association Sport.
"I have seen him improve over the last few games. I even thought against Arsenal and Newcastle away, his passing was a lot better, a lot crisper, so he has come on to a good game, he is in good form at the moment and that will be important at Liverpool."
Smalling kept 26-goal striker Harry Kane quiet last Sunday and the former Fulham man ventured forward, striding confidently with the ball at his feet on a few occasions.
The end product was not good enough to suggest Van Gaal has a new Beckenbauer in his squad just yet, but Robson was so impressed by Smalling's confidence that he felt moved to liken the centre-back to two United greats in Pallister and McGrath.
"Paul McGrath could do that and so could Gary Pallister," Robson said when invited to liken Smalling's display to a figure from the past.
"When you keep possession at the back sometimes it's really important that your defenders break past the forwards and they get into the midfield area."
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Source: PA
