Jamie Carragher has warned champions Manchester United that they will be facing a wounded animal at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool host their biggest rivals fresh from a Champions League disaster against Lyon last night, their fourth defeat on the trot and sixth of the season.

Defender Carragher, who took over as captain when Steven Gerrard limped off in the 2-1 defeat against the French league leaders, said: "Beating Manchester United could be just the boost we need, we always bounce back because that us what we are about.

"We've got a lot of fight and character and will want to show that against United, particularly after what happened against Lyon.

"We're going through a tough patch but we've been through them before and we'll bounce back, there's no doubt about that.

"It's always a great game against United, and that could be what we need - if we win it will give everyone a massive lift."

Teenager Martin Kelly, who made his full debut against Lyon in Glen Johnson's injury-absence, agrees.

"If we can beat United, it will give everybody a lift," he said.

"I was pleased with my debut, but everyone was disappointed about the result.

"It was a cruel way to lose like that right at the end, I was off injured by then and watching on the TV and I didn't feel they were going to score again after their equaliser.

"I enjoyed the occasion even if I had to come off. But it was just one game for me, I want to be playing at this level every week. That's the aim now.

"Now we just have to look forward to Sunday's game with Manchester United and try to put things right.

"It is all about working hard as a team now to pull ourselves out of this."

He added: "It was not difficult coming into the side, even if they had not been doing too well. There were top players around me and they all helped me settle.

"I picked up an injury towards the bottom of my left leg. I could not sprint properly so I had to come off, the medical people have had a look at it and I hope I will be okay to be considered for Sunday."