FERNANDO TORRES is determined to reward Liverpool fans for their unwavering support in Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Spanish striker, who is expected to be rested by Roy Hodgson for tomorrow night’s home game with Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League, was strongly criticised by pundits for his performance in Sunday’s goalless draw at Birmingham City.

However, Torres knows he has the full backing of the club’s supporters and is relishing the chance to take out his frustration on Alex Ferguson’s side.

“Liverpool fans are great – when you play well they are behind you and when you are not playing the best they are still behind you,” Torres said.

“I walk my dogs round the city and before matches like United the fans will tell you good luck and things like that.

“It’s clear how much the Manchester United games mean to them, we have been rivals a lot of years. Beating United means everything to them.

“We are the two most successful teams in England but it has not been nice for the Liverpool fans to watch Manchester United have so much success over recent years.”

Torres has scored on Liverpool’s last two visits to Old Trafford and admits he will be inspired on Sunday by the memories of the 4-1 victory over United in March, 2009.

After falling behind to Cristiano Ronaldo’s early penalty, Torres fired the Reds level after hounding Nemanja Vidic into a mistake. Goals from Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena secured an emphatic victory.

“Hardly anybody ever wins at Old Trafford and beating Manchester United 4-1 on their own ground is practically unheard of,” Torres said.

“We went 1-0 down as well which made the victory that much more impressive. I scored the equaliser and to this day I think that has to be one of my favourite days wearing the Liverpool shirt.

“We have a great squad and a great manager, and we really hope to give the fans a trophy this season, as well as beating Manchester United for them.”

Torres is looking forward to his lunchtime shoot-out with United striker Wayne Rooney.

“They have some amazing players but Wayne Rooney is their standout player,” he said.

“I really like him.

“He is a great player and a funny guy, so we usually have a little chat at the end of the game.”