'Why fans can be the difference'
Alan Hansen believes Liverpool fans can provide their side with an added edge when they take on Manchester United on Saturday by recreating a European-style atmosphere inside Anfield.
The Reds legend feels a vociferous Kop can act as added motivation for Kenny Dalglish's men as they go in search of a third consecutive win in the Barclays Premier League.
"Another potentially important factor is the Anfield atmosphere on Saturday," Hansen wrote in his column in LFC Magazine.
"For me, the atmosphere at the Champions League matches, when we were in it, have been different to the atmosphere at Premier League games at Anfield.
"The noise levels against both Chelsea - on more than one occasion - and Arsenal were sensational and completely different to how it is for league games against them.
"Because Liverpool fans had been waiting for such a long time for such big games the noise levels were cranked up and it made a difference.
"I was at the Bolton game at Anfield in August and while, with all due respect to them, Bolton will never be the biggest game of the season, the atmosphere was electric.
"I don't think Manchester United's players will be frightened by the noise levels on Saturday, but Liverpool's players could be inspired by it.
"If you're playing in that sort of atmosphere and you know the crowd are right behind you it definitely gives you an edge.
"On Saturday, come 12.45pm, Kenny would love the crowd to be in full voice and for Anfield to be bouncing because when it is there is simply nowhere better."
