Liverpool supporters are not supposed to talk out of turn when it comes to Kenny Dalglish.

You can't say a bad word against King Kenny – not after what he did as a player, not after what he then achieved as a manager and certainly not after the way he handled the Hillsborough disaster.

He served the club well during those times and earned the fans' loyalty more than anyone else ever could.

However, supporters who see this week's Carling Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City as evidence of Dalglish shifting power back towards Anfield are wide of the mark. That theory will come under great scrutiny again in the FA Cup against Manchester United today.

The Merseysiders were excellent on Wednesday night but they reached their first Wembley final in 16 years through force of will and good fortune rather than continued progression as a team.

Dalglish's second reign as Liverpool manager has been characterised by excellent results against some top sides balanced with an inability to capitalise on supposedly easier fixtures.

Dalgish made an immediate impact on his return to the manager's role last season. He made sure the players realised the responsibility they held in representing one of the world's great football clubs.

Suddenly, the players played with passion and pride once more and achieved results beyond their means. They probably heard You'll Never walk Alone in their sleep.

It was always going to be difficult to maintain such emotional momentum.

It was crucial that supporters kept realistic expectations this season. Talk of a push for the Premier League title before the season was unwarranted despite heavy investment in the squad over the last year.

Too many of Dalglish's arrivals have failed to settle into an effective unit while even those who appear to be successful – such as Luis Suarez – have actually produced less than people might think.

The Uruguayan has scored five goals and provided one assist in 18 Premier League games this season, certainly inconsequential next to Sergio Aguero's 14 goals and five assists for Manchester City.

If Suarez has flattered to deceive somewhat, Andy Carroll has looked every inch the panic buy he most certainly was when the Reds lost Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

The problem is not so much Carroll's lack of ability but the way Liverpool have tried to use him. Too often he has been the lone striker with little or no support, forced to rely on predictable service at head height when a pass to his feet might have done better.

The 3-0 league defeat to Manchester City last month was the perfect example. Carroll was fighting for 50-50 headers on the halfway line, or worse yet, hopelessly chasing over-hit passes down the channels. It must have been soul destroying.

Carroll's inability to make something out of nothing that night probably cost him the chance to start this week's semi-final against City. He sat on the bench until the last five minutes as Craig Bellamy's pace and work-rate made the system work.

That has been the story of Dalglish's expensively assembled squad to date. For every Bellamy, there is a Carroll. And for every Charlie Adam there is a Jordan Henderson. Sadly, there was still nothing to suggest Henderson is about to realise his potential. His excellent strike against Bolton in August is still the sole reason for hope.

Stewart Downing, meanwhile, is a player all Liverpool supporters desperately want to love. At his best he reminds the Kop of Steve McManaman, picking up the ball in his own half and carrying it into more dangerous positions.

He is gifted and tries hard but fails to produce consistently. His left foot is as sharp as they come but every opportunity this season seemingly falls to his right.

Despite the many millions Dalglish has invested, his best player this season has been Rafa Benitez buy Lucas Leiva.

Even if Liverpool overpower United in the Cup today, it surely cannot be a sign of progress. Winning the Carling Cup and even the FA Cup would hardly make up for a league campaign so far adrift of the league's leaders – just as it did not when Gerard Houllier won the FA Cup, the league cup and the UEFA Cup 11 years ago.

Indeed, the game against United only brings Dalgish's most difficult dilemma during his second spell back into focus. When Suarez and Patrice Evra came together in the league earlier this season, Dalglish backed his man – it was the only thing he could do in his position. He was in a no-win situation.

Suarez accepted the eight-match ban for abusing Evra with reference to his ethnic origin, and Dalglish's stance was immediately undermined. He sold his reputation as guardian of the club's sacred traditions for the morale and loyalty of one exceptionally talented individual.

That could ultimately ensure he is unable to repeat the glorious days of his Anfield past.