Darwin Nunez cost Liverpool £85 million in the summer (Getty)

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole is unhappy at the ‘disrespect’ after being compared to Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.

Cole is regarded as one of the finest strikers in Premier League history and currently sits fourth on the list of all-time top scorers in the division with 187 goals.

He also played a key role in United’s treble success in 1999 and won eight major trophies during his six years at Old Trafford.

Nunez, meanwhile, joined Liverpool in an £85 million deal from Benfica and has scored nine goals in 19 appearances so far.

But the Uruguay international has already faced criticism since his move to Anfield after missing a series of easy chances.

And Cole has taken exception after a fan on Twitter compared him to the 23-year-old.

Andy Cole played a key role in Manchester United’s treble success in 1999 (Getty)

‘Cole .., Nunez… not sure we’re this nonsense started !!! But it’s Christmas the festival season… I am happily retired,’ Cole wrote on Twitter.

‘Five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, one League Cup, one Champions League, Golden Boot, Young Player of The Year. 187 Premier League goals. One penalty. Life is what you make it.’

Cole then added: ‘Sorry Dave worded wrongly or rightly…. people need to stop disrespecting my name… because I don’t play the game, just a quiet guy getting on with life people think they can disrespect me…. Look at the numbers and compare them to anyone else …’

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Nunez and Liverpool will next be in action on Boxing Day as they travel to Aston Villa.

United, meanwhile, host Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

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‘People need to stop disrespecting my name.’