Kenny Dalglish has been a source of comfort for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in what has been dubbed the biggest crisis of his Reds career.

Liverpool face a make-or-break game against bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday and Benitez is under-pressure to stop the Reds' four game losing streak.

Another league defeat will virtually erase Liverpool's hopes of a title challenge this season. Benitez is also having a selection headache with skipper Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson all doubtful for the game against the league champions.

Faced with daunting odds, Benitez has revealed that he has sought Dalglish's advice to help overcome what has been dubbed by The Daily Mail as "the biggest crisis of his five-and-a-half year reign".

"It has been really important and beneficial to be able to talk to him," said Benitez. "It means a lot to be able to consult with someone who has won so many trophies as a Liverpool player and manager and has always had the fans behind him.

"He understands the situation at the moment and that is important. I knew he would bring experience and know-how to the club and he has helped make sure everyone sticks together."

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In reponse, Dalglish, who three league titles and the Double at Liverpool, expressed his support for the Spaniard.

"Everyone within the upper echelons of this club has no doubt whatsoever about Rafa. I know that for a fact. Everyone here knows he is the right man to get the club through this," said the Scot.

Dalglish, who spent 14 years at Anfield as player and manager in the 70s and 80s, added: 'Nobody is panicking in any way shape or form. Everyone is being as helpful and supportive as they can be to the manager."

'Obviously, whether you're a manager or a player, you have to retain your confidence and belief in what you are doing. You have also got to retain your belief in each other. It's important everybody sticks together to get through this.'

Interestingly, Dalglish was the last Liverpool boss to lose four games in a row in 1987. If he can provide much needed advice to Benitez, just what is Sammy Lee doing on the bench?