In Alex Ferguson's new autobiography, he claims that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is not a "top player".

He was also critical of Jordan Henderson and former winger Stewart Downing.

Ferguson had said that Henderson would have injury problems later in his career because of his running style.

It certainly rankled Reds manager Brendan Rodgers enough to hit back.

"I think if Sir Alex ever bumps into Jordan he might want to apologise for that. Every player is different, and every player at this club has had his strengths and weaknesses medically assessed. The statement in terms of Jordan was inappropriate," said Rodgers.

Rodgers continued: "Sir Alex is in a position to say what he likes, and you don't have to agree with it, but I think there is a sadness to this as it is something that will probably stay with people for a long while."

Rodgers also claimed that United need 10 more top players to stand a chance of winning the Premier League. 

Ferguson had said that Liverpool needed eight players to compete for the title in his book, but when asked about those comments, Rodgers replied that United would need two more than that.

"That's probably two short of what they need then," he said.