Anfield hero Steve McManaman can sympathize with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over his battle not to sell Gaby Heinze to Liverpool.

McManaman feels the whole thing has become a farce and that Liverpool would do everything in their power to stop the Red Devils signing one of their players.

He said: "As soon as someone says the lawyers are involved it takes it to another level.

"I understand where Fergie's coming from, I wouldn't want to strengthen a rival. But you can see why Liverpool want to buy such a good, tough-tackling defender."