Michael Owen and Steve McManaman send defiant message to Darwin Nunez doubters after Liverpool brace They've shut up now

 Darwin Nunez was a constant threat during Liverpool's 3-1 home win over Southampton on Saturday afternoon

Michael Owen and Steve McManaman have both backed Darwin Nunez to maintain his impressive form after the forward's two goals in Liverpool's 3-1 victory against Southampton.

Nunez has come under criticism from rival supporters since making his summer move from Benfica, not helped by a foolish red card received in his first game at Anfield versus Crystal Palace back in August.

Since returning to the starting XI, the 23-year-old has proved his doubters wrong and is beginning to justify why the Reds agreed a package deal worth £85m to bring the Uruguayan to Merseyside.

"I don't think he has had a bad start to his career at Liverpool. Of course he had a red card early on and that never helped, but he's back and scoring goals and looking sharp," he told Premier League Productions.

"I thought this was a really nice finish after a lovely deft ball from Harvey Elliott," continued Owen of Nunez's first goal on Saturday. "You can clearly see Nunez gets onside and he makes that finish look easy. This fella has split opinion since he has been at Liverpool, lots of people thinking 'oh god, is he that £80m player?' I think he shows real, promising signs for the future even though he is still a little bit rough around the edges."