The defender was a member of the Reds side that finished second to Manchester United in 2008-09 and is confident the current crop can go one better this time around

Liverpool vice-captain Daniel Agger is confident the club can deal with the pressure of being in the Premier League title mix.

The Merseysiders head into the business end of the season very much in contention for a first top-flight crown since 1990. 

Brendan Rodgers’ side sit second in the table, seven points behind leaders Chelsea but with a game in hand.

Agger, who is one of the few remaining members of the 2008-09 side that finished second to Manchester United, believes he and his team-mates have what it takes to cope with the mental strain of a title fight.

“When you play for Liverpool, there is always pressure and that won’t change between now and the end of the season,” the Denmark skipper told the Liverpool Echo.

“Part of playing for this club is being able to handle that pressure. I think the players here have proved over the course of this season that they are more than capable of doing that.

“We have had some great results and there have been a few times when we have been all the way up there at the top.

“It’s always difficult to compare squads and teams. This is a completely different team to the one in 2009. There aren’t many players left from that side.

“We are in a good position but we are only in March. There is still a long way to go and a lot of points to play for.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet and we need to keep going over the final 10 games. We have some big games against teams close to us in the table. They are games we have to win.”

The Reds travel to United on Sunday looking to complete a league double over their fierce rivals and remain in the race for the title.

The Juventus midfielder is admired by David Moyes but the Italy international’s agent has insisted his client has not held talks with the Premier League champions

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has not held talks with Manchester United regarding a possible summer move, according to his father and agent Stefano.United boss David Moyes scouted Marchisio in January as he drew up a list of possible midfield targets – having already missed out on the likes of Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas and Athletic Bilbao’s Ander Herrera.

But the Italy international’s representative has played down suggestions he has already discussed a move to the Premier League.

“Sometimes I have received phone calls from agents who told me of the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool,” he is quoted as saying by Calciomercato.

“But no one from these clubs, however, has ever contacted directly us. And in (that) case I would tell them to talk to Juve.”

Marchisio’s current contract expires two years from now but Stefano has insisted the 28-year-old is in no rush to extend his stay in Italy.

“I’ve read that the renewal should be imminent, but Claudio is focused on the season and doesn’t think about the contract,” he said.

“The current agreement expires in 2016 and there is time for (us to) talk about it.”

The former striker is confident his old team can win at Old Trafford on Sunday because Old Trafford is no longer the daunting venue it used to be

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler says Manchester United have lost their fear factor under David Moyes.

The reigning Premier League champions are currently sixth in the standings, 11 points behind their great rivals ahead of Sunday’s meeting at Old Trafford.

Moyes’ side have already been beaten at home by West Brom, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham this season and Fowler says Liverpool should travel to Manchester without any fear of defeat.

“A few teams have gone to Old Trafford and got results this season,” the former England international told the Liverpool Echo.

“It has lost that fear factor. United had it for a number of years.

“Teams went there knowing they would be on the back foot and almost expecting to lose. That’s not happening anymore.

“Now teams are actually pushing on looking to win there rather than sitting back, hoping to nick a point.”

Liverpool have not won at Old Trafford since their famous 4-1 triumph in March 2009, but Fowler believes they are the more daunting opposition these days and is confident that Brendan Rodgers’ men can claim victory on Sunday.

“It’s always a massive game but the difference this time is that Liverpool must be favourites,” the now-retired striker added.

“I can’t remember the last time a Liverpool team went to Old Trafford in that position.

“On paper it’s a game Liverpool should win. They’re in great form and I am quietly confident Liverpool can get a big result there.

“People talk about how far United have dropped but I also look at it from the other side – how far Liverpool have come.

“That’s testament to what Brendan has achieved so far. He has got the team playing so well and I think teams are starting to fear Liverpool again. The manager deserves a lot of credit for that.”