IT says much about the shift in emphasis and expectation that this afternoon’s arrival of Manchester United is greeted by the current Liverpool manager as just another game.

Life, though, has changed much during the past 12 months at Anfield.

Today marks the first anniversary of the £300million takeover by Fenway Sports Group that banished Tom Hicks and George Gillett from the club.

That in itself is a signal to celebrate. But such has been the transformation during the last year at Liverpool, there are plenty of other reasons to be cheerful.

Not least the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager, the Scot having overseen a vast on-field improvement that has this campaign led to the Anfield outfit once again being touted as top-four material.

The revival will be put to the sternest test when Premier League leaders United make the short journey down the other end of the East Lancs Road.

The match between the bitter North West rivals is always described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the biggest of the season, but Dalglish – who takes charge of his 250th league match as Liverpool manager today – plays down the significance.

“If that is what he thinks then fine,” says the Scot. “That is up to Fergie. For me, I've always said the most important game is the next one.

“It's Manchester United this time and next week it will be Norwich City.