Rafa Benitez attacked by Jermaine Pennant

As Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez ponders his options ahead off Sunday's make-or-break Premier League clash with Manchester United, a former Anfield of charge of his has attacked the Spaniard for the "restrictive" nature of his team selection. Jermaine Pennant, the right winger who left Liverpool in the summer to play for Real Zaragoza in Spain, said that Benitez's instinctive caution had alienated talented players at the Merseyside outfit, and had seen them leave to ply their trade at other clubs where they could play their natural game.

The former England under-21 international told the Guardian: "Liverpool have had some great strikers come and go - Robbie Keane is scoring goals at Tottenham, Peter Crouch is scoring now. It didn't happen at Liverpool: it must be about how the manager relates to players, how the tactics are and how he restricts players. The coach plays a big part when you arrive at a new team. If he restricts you, it's going to make you play differently."

Liverpool loyalists will say that this is just sour grapes from Pennant, who has always been tipped for success but never seemed to achieve it due to temperamental factors. The 26-year-old has played at eight clubs in his career, including Arsenal, Leeds and Birmingham, but never settled anywhere. At Birmingham he became the first ever footballer to play while wearing an electronic tag, after being convicted for drink-driving.

Pennant had shown signs of finally realising his potential at Liverpool, but then felt he was stifled by Benitez. "Rafa's a great manager and there are times when he is a genius but sometimes his approach can take the best out of you. Liverpool are a great side but they need to let loose and express themselves a bit. Look at Barcelona - you don't see them restricted, you see them breaking all sorts of shackles and they win things. Maybe if Liverpool went that way a bit they would be even better."

There was some good news for Benitez as reports from the training ground suggested that Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson could both start on Sunday. A decision about whether to play Steve Gerrard - who hobbled out of Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Lyon - will be taken today, although there will definitely be no spot for £20m summer signing Alberto Aquilani, despite his successful run-out for the reserves against Sunderland on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, thousands of Liverpool fans are expected to take part in a protest march against the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks before the Manchester United. Whether the march, which will take place under the banner 'Tom and George, You're Not Welcome Here!' will actively support Benitez is unclear at the moment. ·