Liverpool legend Ian Rush has insisted that he never had any intention of signing for Manchester United during the second half of his career.

Having ended a legendary spell at Anfield to link up with Juventus in 1987, Rush made his return 12 months later and continued where he had left off for the Merseyside giants.

In his autobiography, Michael Owen claimed that Rush considered a switch to Manchester United before beginning his second spell at Liverpool.

However, due to the influence of Sir Kenny Dalglish, Rush says that Sir Alex Ferguson was never going to convince him to move to Old Trafford.

Rush is quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying: "It was shock at first. I thought it was a joke. He gave me his number and in fairness he sold me the club.

"I did read in [Owen's] book that Dalglish got me out at the 11th hour. I was never going to Manchester United. I knew the rivalry. Kenny didn't have to sell the club. He made my mind up for me."

Rush remains as the highest goal-scorer in Liverpool's history.