Rooney rates Suarez 'up there with Messi and Ronaldo' as best players on the planet

Applause: Wayne Rooney rates Liverpool's Luis Suarez as one of the world's best players / Phenomenons: Lionel Messi (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely regarded as the world's best players

Danger man: Manchester United must stop Suarez when Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday

Dynamic duo: Suarez has struck up one of the league's most feared partnerships with Daniel Sturridge (L)

Patriot games: Sturridge's club form has translated to international level - scoring here against Denmark

Look after yourself: David Moyes (L) insists his primary objective is not influencing Liverpool's season

Whether it was part of a move to relieve pressure on his players or not, Moyes was moved to suggest that United are underdogs for Sunday's fixture - one he regards as the biggest in the country.

The Scot remains convinced that he is leading United back on the path to success in the long term, though.

'We are a work in progress, the United boss said. 'We are looking to make changes in time.

'We will regroup and get ourselves back together and hopefully it won't be too long.

'My biggest goal is not affecting Liverpool's title challenge, my biggest goal is to get Manchester United winning the title. That's my goal and will be my goal every year I'm in the job.'

Moyes thinks Rodgers has been aided by the fact that Liverpool have not been in Europe this season.

The Scot added: 'Liverpool and Brendan might have benefited from being out of Europe.

'They've grown in confidence and securing Suarez on a new contract has been a big boost for the club.'

Rodgers: these are the games you look forward to