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Alex Ferguson's criticism of Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard is merely a ploy to sell more copies of his autobiography, according to Reds legend John Aldridge.

And another Anfield great, Ian Rush, says every club would ‘love’ to have the 33-year-old in their side.

Ferguson has described Gerrard as ‘not a top, top player’ – despite admitting he was interested in buying the Liverpool talisman in 2005 .

And the former Manchester United manager claims it is ‘absolute nonsense’ to suggest Gerrard was better than Paul Scholes.

ECHO columnist Aldridge said: “It was no surprise to see Fergie stick the boot into Liverpool, he’s done that for the last 30 years or so!

“But he’s barking up the wrong tree when it comes to Steven Gerrard. I guess it’s just a way to ensure he sells more copies of his book.

“Any manager or player who has ever come across Steven in the game will tell you he’s world class.

“Ferguson says he never coped against Keane and Scholes, well to be fair Gerrard was usually playing against both of them on his own, and that’s before you mention Giggs and Beckham either side of them.

“Steve has never had the team around him to win a league title, but a look at his career tells you that he is a world class footballer, and he’s had some great games against United down the years. How Ferguson can be critical of the lad, well, words fail me.

“If he needs to do Stevie down so he can sell his book, then let him. I’m just surprised he had to stoop so low.

“We all know what Sir Alex thinks of Liverpool – he’s on record enough times telling us – but I think the fact he admits he would have signed Steven Gerrard tells you exactly what he really thought of the player.”

Aldridge particularly remembers Gerrard’s role in the Reds’ 4-1 win at Old Trafford in March 2009. The Liverpool skipper slammed home a crucial penalty to give his side the lead just before half-time – one of seven goals he netted against Ferguson’s men.

On United’s interest in Gerrard, Ferguson writes: “We made a show of [Gerrard] in the transfer market, as did Chelsea, because the vibe was that he wanted to move from Anfield.

“But there seemed to be some restraining influence from people outside the club and it reached a dead end.”

He adds: “I’m one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player.”

However, goal-scoring great Rush has labelled Gerrard as a ‘fantastic’ player. Rush said: “Steven’s service to Liverpool has been absolutely fantastic.

“He is a great player and everyone appreciates him.

“What he has done for Liverpool and England has been absolutely fantastic.

“Every club would love to have him and that says it all.”

Ferguson does credit Gerrard with the ability to take on teams single-handedly, and notes the Reds skipper was one of the only players who could hurt United with forward bursts towards the heart of their defence.

And earlier this year, Ferguson said of Gerrard: “Along with Graeme Souness, he’s probably the best midfield player Liverpool have ever had, although I have Souness just above them all.”