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The gait that so concerned Alex Ferguson will be on show at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Another tireless shift from Jordan Henderson is guaranteed as Liverpool FC look to maintain their title challenge by completing a prized Premier League double over rivals Manchester United.

Ferguson, now a director and club ambassador, will get a close-up view of what he missed out on when he spurned the opportunity to sign the young midfielder in 2011.

The former United boss bizarrely stated in his autobiography that Henderson’s running style put him off.

“We noticed Henderson runs from his knees, with a straight back while the modern footballer runs with his hips. We thought his gait might cause him problems later in his career,” he wrote.

Ferguson’s words when they were published last October were greeted with a swift riposte from Brendan Rodgers who labelled them “inappropriate” and lacking “factual credence”.

Over the past five months Henderson has simply allowed his football to do the talking.

His remarkable consistency has ensured he’s one of the first names on Rodgers’ team sheet and on current form he’s nailed on to be part of the England squad at this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

What sixth-placed United would give for a centre midfielder of Henderson’s calibre. Their loss has been Liverpool’s gain.

“What was written in the book never bothered me,” Henderson told the ECHO. “To be honest, I looked upon it as a compliment that I got a mention. The fact Alex Ferguson was watching me at some stage must have meant I was doing something right.

“I was never aware of any interest from United and I’m happy with how things worked out. I’m enjoying my football and we’re progressing well as a team.

“I never felt as if I had a point to prove really – except maybe to myself and to Liverpool Football Club in terms of improving as a player.”

Prolific strike duo Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge may have led the Reds’ charge this season but Henderson hasn’t been far behind.

The 24-year-old is now a very different player to the one who struggled to impress during his first year at Anfield following his £16million move from Sunderland.

His progress will be recognised with a new long-term contract this summer.

Rodgers has paid tribute to his professionalism and dedication, but Henderson insists he owes a debt of gratitude to his manager.

His energy has always stood out but Rodgers has taught him how to channel his efforts better.

“I’ve been working hard every day to try to improve,” Henderson said.

“Certainly, playing and training with world class players on a daily basis has helped me a lot.

“But I’m also very grateful for everything Brendan has done for me. He has helped me improve a lot tactically. That has been an area of my game that has come on a lot.

“The manager is very good in all areas. Tactically, he can see the game and how it’s going to pan out. He knows what decisions he needs to make at certain times.

“If you look at Liverpool now and how well we’re playing compared to when he first came in the transformation is there for everyone to see.

“He’s a top class manager. He’s already shown he’s one of the best managers in the world.

“For me personally, Brendan has been fantastic. He’s still very young and will have a long and successful career ahead of him.”

The Reds returned to Melwood on Tuesday after being granted five days off to recharge their batteries ahead of the run-in.

Henderson headed home to the North East to spend time with his family but now all eyes are on United.

Second-placed Liverpool must end a five-year wait for victory at Old Trafford if they are going to keep up the pressure on leaders Chelsea.

“It was nice to relax for a few days but it’s been good to get back,” Henderson said.

“We’ve got a few hard sessions under our belt and everyone is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

“We have got 10 cup finals if you like. They are all big games from here on in and that starts at Old Trafford on Sunday.

“I really don’t tend to look at stats much when we’re going into games. What’s happened at Old Trafford in the past won’t influence what happens on Sunday.

“The fact that people are talking about us as title contenders shows how far we’ve come.

“We have shown over this season how we’re getting better all the time. I haven’t been surprised by how this season has gone because I see the quality we’ve got in the squad on a daily basis.“We have shown how good we can be but there is still a long way to go and a lot of points to play for. If we can keep performing at the level we have been then you never know what we can achieve.

“We’re going into the game with confidence and there is no reason why we can’t go there and get the result we want.”

Liverpool find themselves 11 points better off than United, who have struggled during David Moyes’ first season at the helm.

The reigning champions may not be the force they were but Henderson knows United will be desperate to halt the Reds’ charge towards the summit.

“There has been a bit of a change in terms of the positions of the two clubs but it’s still a big game,” he said. “They will want to win the game for themselves but also to stop our momentum. We need to rise to the challenge and put on a good performance.

“When you have the firepower we have got then it gives everyone in the team a lot of confidence that we’re going to score goals.

“We have to make sure we defend properly as a team. If we do that then going forward Luis and Daniel will do their stuff."

**Jordan Henderson was speaking at the PlayStation Schools Cup quarter-final between Cardinal Heenan and Maricourt High. PlayStation’s new partnership with the English Schools FA has increased the number of boys and girls football tournaments for the under-12 to under-15 secondary school age categories. It has attracted close to 2,000 schools entries and 100,000 participants throughout England.

This grassroots programme will help nurture stars of the future, while creating more opportunities for children to represent their school football team.

West Derby’s Cardinal Heenan – Steven Gerrard’s old school – kept their hopes of glory alive with a 4-0 win over Maricourt from Maghull.

For more details about the PlayStation Schools Cup visit: www.playstationschoolscup.com