Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is more than happy to win ugly when Manchester United face rivals Liverpool this afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers's side are 21 points behind Premier League leaders United, but Ferguson insisted that derby games are always difficult.

"Derby games are very tricky affairs, they always have been," Ferguson told reporters.

"I'm quite happy to play badly and win this one. Last year we outplayed them in the FA Cup game at Anfield and lost 2-1.

"Derby games are like that, although hopefully this time we will play well and win. With the form we're in we're going into it in the right frame of mind. But Liverpool will always be difficult to beat."

United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford at 1.30pm today.