FIRST Luis Suarez. Then Ian Ayre. And finally Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool were falling over themselves to say sorry over the weekend after the latest unseemly, embarrassing episode of the most tawdry saga in the club’s recent history.

But there were others who should have been apologising for an insipid performance at Old Trafford.

The furore surrounding Suarez should not be allowed to detract from an extremely disappointing and concerning display from Dalglish’s men.

Perhaps they were shaken by Suarez’s actions.

But too many of Liverpool’s players retreated so far into their own shells that a search party has been sent out to retrieve them.

It might take a while before Stewart Downing is found.

While Dalglish has indulged Downing greatly since his expensive arrival from Aston Villa, the manager’s patience has clearly been tested in recent weeks with the winger having been benched.

Old Trafford was therefore the perfect opportunity for the England international to grasp the nettle and re-impose himself on the first team.

Instead, he froze. And now serious questions are being asked about whether Downing, while undoubtedly talented, has the self-belief to truly become a success at Anfield.

He wouldn’t be the first highly-rated player to fail at a top club. Some individuals simply cannot make that final step. Downing, though, still has time to make amends. But it is running out.

Downing wasn’t alone in falling below expectations.

Defender Jose Enrique’s star has faded dramatically in recent weeks while Jordan Henderson must start assuming greater responsibility in midfield – his younger legs should have told against veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.