Said Houllier: "With the injuries we've had and with the flak we've taken it is a mark of our character that we are still chasing fourth place with only three games to go. Now we must show that until the finish.
"We had a meeting the day before the United game which I think will prove important for the rest of the season.
"We were in control at Old Trafford, apart from a ten minute spell in the second half. We never panicked and we were never over-whelmed. They tried to put us under pressure but they didn't hurt us enough.
"We have showed in winning at Chelsea and now Manchester United that we can compete with the best but this season has been very strange and very tough. It has been difficult.
"We will not be as unfortunate with injury next season, so I think the gap between us and the top three will close.
"At times we have had more players injured than available, but with four games left we have everyone available and it can make a difference."