Much to think about in the North West

Sunday's Merseyside derby was a fiery affair, full of passion, commitment and players capable of winning games by themselves. Sadly for Liverpool, those qualities only came from Everton, as Roy Hodgson's side were overrun, overawed, and frankly embarrassed by their neighbours from across Stanley Park as they slipped to 19th in the Barclays Premier League. John Henry had been full of optimism during the week as his New England Sports Ventures finally completed its takeover at Anfield, and that was - albeit cautiously in places - matched by the fans, but by full time at Goodison Park the size of the task that awaits the new regime was all too clear to see.

Robbie Fowler said on Sky Sports' Super Sunday that he thought this Liverpool team was worse than the Leeds United side of 2004 which was relegated. Although I am not too sure about that, one thing is certain; it will not be a quick fix. They are not one or two signings away from putting it right, they are about six or seven. At the moment, Hodgson could do worse than tempt the Kop legend back from Australia; at least he would show more commitment to the cause than Fernando Torres seems to be. He is cutting a lonelier and more forlorn figure as each game goes by, and looks like a player desperate to escape. He must be wondering what might have been, given Chelsea's and Manchester City's interest this past summer.

Another player reportedly desperate to leave his club is Manchester United's Wayne Rooney. The out-of-form England striker has struggled to see eye to eye with Sir Alex Ferguson of late, and his admission of his apparent fitness has riled the boss, who has long insisted that his ankle injury is worse than the rest of us think. He is out of contract at the end of next season, but United, well aware of their awkward financial situation, will not waste any time in offering his services now to those with a £50 million transfer fee to spare in January. I can think of one particular club not too far from Old Trafford who would love to reunite him with an old partner in crime. Of course Ferguson has reminded us before that nobody is bigger than Manchester United with the exits of Roy Keane, David Beckham and Jaap Stam, but like he admitted with the Dutchman, I can't help but feel that any Rooney departure would be a massive mistake for the club, and one from which they could take years to recover from.