Liverpool Owners Have Asked Man United For Advice

Liverpool owner John W Henry has asked for tips on running the Anfield club - from arch-rivals Manchester United.

The Kop club's principal owner Henry and chairman Tom Werner have contacted Old Trafford chief executive David Gill and Ivan Gazidis, chief exec at Arsenal, to pick their brains.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre revealed the approaches, and claimed they showed that Henry and Werner are determined to explore every avenue to improve the club.

"He and Tom are both very open in their approach," said Ayre. "They'll contact David at United and Ivan at Arsenal - 'What do you think?' That's healthy.

"'Let's get a rounded view of the sport and how we should be doing things.'

"It's better to have an owner who is taking a genuine interest and is well-informed, rather than someone who says, 'I was successful in baseball, so I can do that in soccer.'

"They both put a lot of time into the team and into the game. That bodes well for Liverpool."

Ayre also defended Henry's commitment to the cause.

The American multi-millionaire, who also owns baseball's Boston Red Sox, has been criticised for not attending a Liverpool game this season.

Henry was at Monday's Hillsborough memorial service at Anfield and Ayre claims he remains dedicated to restoring the club's fortunes.

"There have been quite a few comments because John hasn't been to a game this season," said Ayre.

"As is always the case, the media then spun that into John Henry hasn't been to a game and is losing interest.

"That's nonsense. Tom's been to quite a few and that's part of them sharing that responsibility. It's about them finding that balance. We don't have to have John there for it to be a success.

"We speak every week. We have a management call. We talk through issues. John and Tom are very involved in that. That's the way it should be.

"Of course, fans don't see that. They just think he hasn't been to Liverpool. But Tom has been to Liverpool."

Ayre also insisted Liverpool will NOT consider selling star striker Luis Suarez, amid links with Bayern Munich and Juventus.