• Premier League

Fergie: Sturridge a gamble for Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Liverpool's purchase of Daniel Sturridge is a gamble as the striker attempts to fulfil the promise he has shown glimpses of during his career to date.

Sturridge, who joined from Chelsea for £12 million, could start alongside Luis Suarez as Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.

Ferguson says it is a good move for Sturridge, as Brendan Rodgers looks to give himself more options up front, but still thinks the deal represents a slight risk for United's rivals.

"The big issue for Liverpool is whether they include new signing Daniel Sturridge," Ferguson told United Review. "Certainly the arrival of Sturridge gives Brendan Rodgers more strength and options up front.

"Sturridge has had a few clubs but I don't blame him for jumping at the chance of joining Liverpool because he just wasn't playing regularly with Chelsea and I always rate a player whose priority is wanting to play.

"Even so, his track record moving between a number of clubs suggests Brendan Rodgers is taking a bit of a gamble, but he clearly knows what he is doing."

Ferguson also has a selection dilemma, as Nani and Anderson jostle for a place in his starting line-up - and defender Rio Ferdinand is glad to see the pair back.

"They are both naturally talented footballers," Ferdinand said. "You don't really get players who can beat opponents in the middle of the park these days. That is a good asset to have and is something Anderson has above anyone else. He can go past players and commit people.

"Nani is the same. He is one of the most talented players I have played with. He is always a threat. He is quick, sharp and shoots off both feet. He can cross the ball too so overall, he has everything."

One man assured of his place should be goalkeeper David De Gea, who now seems to be establishing himself as United's No. 1. The Spaniard has now featured in eight successive games for the club.

"From the moment I signed I always considered myself to be first-choice goalkeeper," De Gea said. "Obviously it is down to the manager. He does what he feels is right and can rotate the keepers as and when he feels it is good for the team.

"For me, it is just a case of keeping going in the same vein and working hard to hope that the good run I have had continues."

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