Ryan Giggs has backed team-mate Wayne Rooney to set a multitude of records with Manchester United, even tipping the in-form striker to surpass his incredible tally of appearances for the club.

Ryan Giggs has been by Wayne Rooney's side since his debut in 2004.

United take on Liverpool on Sunday and will move back to the top of the Premier League if they can beat their bitter rivals at Old Trafford, with Rooney certain to spearhead Sir Alex Ferguson's attack, looking to add to his impressive haul of 32 goals in all competitions so far this season.

And Giggs, who has thus far made 828 senior appearances for United - more than any other player - believes Rooney will continue to be a key player for the club long into the future, and thinks he is capable of beating both the Welshman's appearance record and Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goals record for the club.

"If Wayne plays here, keeps fit and going for the next 10 years, then he will break every record," Giggs told the Mail on Sunday. "He will break my appearance record and he will break Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record of 249 goals. I hope that is something he can do.''

Speculation has been growing in recent weeks that Real Madrid will attempt to add Rooney to their collection of galacticos this summer, but Giggs said he cannot see the 24-year-old wanting to leave Old Trafford.

"Wayne is at the right place. He's got the best manager and at United you will always be competing for trophies, which is what you want as a footballer. We have great players at United and he loves being here. I can see him staying.''

Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is desperate to end Liverpool's winning streak against Manchester United, and is confident that the current champions have what it takes to overcome last season's title rivals at Old Trafford.

Liverpool have won each of their last three games against United, having triumphed twice last season - including a 4-1 humiliation at Old Trafford, while goals from Fernando Torres and David Ngog secured victory at Anfield in October.

And Ferdinand, who has watched central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic leave the pitch after being sent-off in each of the last three losses, believes United are ready for a reversal in fortunes against their bitter rivals.

"We've lost the last three games we've played against Liverpool," Rio told United's offficial website. "Those games haven't gone to plan but there's always room for improvement and now is the time for us to beat them.

"Liverpool are one of our biggest rivals and we never like losing to them. I'm confident we can get three points on Sunday and end this streak they have over us."

Liverpool have won their last two games but have failed to win three successive matches since September, and their inconsistent form this campaign appears to make United overwhelming favourites. However, Ferdinand is taking nothing for granted and maintained that form will count for little in the clash at Old Trafford.

"It's all about who produces the goods on the day in these games," Ferdinand said. "We'll need to be at our best because, on their day, Liverpool can be a top team.

bodohhhhhhhhhhh  ...
that y i doubt in gary ... watching the ball only