Liverpool hero Didi Hamann says Daniel Sturridge should be benched for their clash with Manchester United.

Sturridge has made just 15 appearances this season due to ankle and thigh injuries, and Hamann feels the former Chelsea striker needs more time to regain his fitness.

"I would not be surprised to see Sterling play up top, with Sturridge on the bench," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I don't think Daniel is quite at 100 per cent yet, so I think it would be good to have him as a real weapon on the bench for the last half hour, and let Sterling stretch the United defence to start with.

"It would be a big call to leave Sturridge out, but I just think Sterling may be the way to go."