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Reina: United clash a must-win

23 Oct 2009 - 11:27:33

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Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina has admitted Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester United is a must-win game for the struggling Reds.

Four successive defeats in all competitions have left confidence low at Anfield and Rafael Benitez's side seven points adrift of defending champions and leaders United at the top of the table.

"This is a final for us and a game we just have to win," declared the Spaniard, who was part of the side which inflicted a league double on United last term.

"If we lose, we will be ten points behind Manchester United and that will be just too big a gap in the Premier League.

"We cannot afford to think of defeat because it would be a disaster.

"We just can't afford one mistake against United because they will take advantage."

Meanwhile, Reina has urged disgruntled fans to lay off under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard's decision to substitute Yossi Benayoun during Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat at home to Lyon was jeered by some unhappy supporters.

"The manager Benitez has come in for a lot of criticism but in truth it is the players' fault and we have to realise that," continued Reina.

"We just have to get three points because it will be good for us and will also stop Manchester United."