Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has brushed off criticism by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Scotsman, who retired from management at the end of last season, wrote in his autobiography that the midfielder's running style could cause him fitness problems in the future.

Following his critique, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers came out in defence of the 23-year-old, who impressed during the Reds' 4-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion last Saturday.

"I didn't expect it," the Liverpool Echo quotes Henderson as saying. "I have just tried to focus on my game and not really thought about it.

"I have a lot of respect for him, he's an unbelievable figure in football, but hopefully he isn't right and I won't have too many problems later in my career.

"It was quite unusual but I haven't read the whole thing. I know he's spoken about my running technique and I'll have to read it properly at some point. It doesn't bother me too much."

Henderson signed for Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011.