Liverpool vs Manchester United: Captain Steven Gerrard Key to Reds' Victory

When Manchester United and Liverpool square off in one of world football's greatest rivalries on Saturday, Reds' captain Steven Gerrard must lead his young squad by being a leader on the pitch.

Many of Liverpool's new signings have not played in a Barclays Premier League match against Manchester United as a member for Liverpool.

Stuart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique are four notable players who haven't tasted the excitement of this epic rivalry.

Gerrard is an experienced player who must show the younger Liverpool players the type of intensity and intelligence needed to beat a fantastic squad like Manchester United, who are the defending Premier League champions.

Luckily for Liverpool the game is being played at Anfield, where the team has played pretty well this season.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish must feel much more comfortable going into this game at home rather than taking his inexperienced players to Old Trafford for their first taste of this rivalry.

Gerrard must set the tone from the opening whistle. Not only does he need to be a central part of the attack and creating for forwards like Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, he needs to help out defensively too.

Liverpool's central defense is not fast, and isn't all that talented. Reds legend Jamie Carragher will be back there and while he still plays the game well fundamentally, he has certainly lost the quickness and recovery speed he used to have.

Gerrard hasn't played in many matches over the past year because of battles with injuries, but he will be ready to go Saturday against old rivals Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.

Steven Gerrard knows the importance of this game too. Liverpool cannot win the Premier League title if they lose this game, and the club's chances of finishing in the top four in order to receive UEFA Champions League qualification would be hurt if the Reds' lose to United on Saturday.

Big games demand strong performances from top players, and Steven Gerrard will play exceptionally well for Liverpool against Manchester United this weekend.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report, follow him on Twitter for the latest sports news and updates.  Follow @NicholasGoss35