United Advised to Sign 10 New Players to Win the Title

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has continued the war of words with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming the Premier League champions are 10 players short from being able to retain their title.

In his latest autobiography, Ferguson wrote that the Reds are eight players short of staging a bid to win their first league title for 23 years.

Under David Moyes United have begun the season in uncertain fashion, losing three of their first eight league games leading to accusations the squad inherited by the new boss had overachieved under Ferguson's guidance.

Rodgers has reacted to Ferguson's damming assessment by claiming: "That's probably two short of what they need then."

Ferguson's opinion on Liverpool's future title credentials was one of the number of put downs towards the Merseyside giants, whom he attempted to 'knock from their perch' upon his appointment at United in 1986.

The ex-United boss wrote that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was not a 'top, top player' while he also criticised Jordan Henderson, who has endured a difficult career at Anfield since moving from Sunderland.

"I think if Sir Alex ever bumps into Jordan he might want to apologise for that," Rodgers added.

"The comment surprised me, I have to be honest, coming from someone with such status in the game. Maybe it was meant as flippant but to a young player making his way in the game it could be damaging.

"Every player is different, and every player at this club has had his strengths and weaknesses medically assessed. The statement in terms of Jordan was inappropriate.

"Sir Alex is in a position to say what he likes, and you don't have to agree with it, but I think there is a sadness to this as it is something that will probably stay with people for a long while.

"I think every football person would have enjoyed his achievements in the game and the legacy he has left, but now people are only going to talk about the comments in the book.

"In a way I can understand some of the comments, when you have been chasing a club as successful as Liverpool you have to find ways to bring them down.

"But this is a club that has class and history and in the modern era is fighting to get back to that level again.

"I don't really want to give the book any more publicity than it has already had, there's been enough reaction in the past few days.

"Sir Alex has obviously bided his time and now feels that his retirement is the time to put a few things straight. It is his right to do that, but I won't be rushing out to buy a copy."