Benitez delighted with United victory

"We had good mentality, great character and the players had confidence before the game," said the Liverpool boss. "We kept trying hard against a very good team.

"We knew that we had to win and it was very difficult after conceding one goal but we were still willing to go forward, push and try and we had quality.

"After 30 minutes we were playing better. After we scored our first goal we had confidence so little by little we were controlling the game.

"It will still be very difficult but now we have more options and more confidence that we can beat anyone and we can stay closer

"The main thing was to get three points today. I'm really proud and really pleased, more for the fans and the club."