Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes Manchester United star Wayne Rooney will be desperate to play against the Reds after being dropped from England’s starting line-up against Slovenia on Tuesday, tipping Jose Mourinho to "unleash" the ex-Everton man.
Rooney, who made his name as a striker, has recently been deployed in a deeper role by both club and country.
The 30-year-old has flattered to deceive in the present campaign, scoring just one goal in 10 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, and being dropped by Mourinho as a result.
And interim England boss Gareth Southgate decided to omit Rooney from his first eleven against Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier.
Mellor, who thinks Rooney will be hurting from that decision, feels the England international will have a point or two to prove to his doubters if Manchester United boss Mourinho decides to field him at Anfield on Monday.
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“One of his main strengths is his desire and the passion that he has”, Mellor explained on LFC TV's preview show.
“I think United have played him deeper in certain positions, as have England is because he is a clever player, he can play in different positions, not many players can do that.
“But he is more effective in the final third, whether it be the [number] 9, whether it be the [number] 10.
“He does the hardest thing which is to put the ball at the back of the net, it’s a very hard thing to do. He has scored loads of goals for United, loads of goals for England.
“If he’s out there, he will be a threat at some point.
"I think after being dropped from England, he will be raring to go and Mourinho will unleash him as he would have been disappointed by that.”
Rooney, who has four assists to his name for Manchester United this season, will be desperate to take any chances which come his way at Anfield.
