'It's not about title 19'

Rafael Benitez has played down suggestions Liverpool can thwart Manchester United's bid for a record 19th title – insisting that our own top four hopes are more important.

The Reds will head down the M62 looking to secure the double over their rivals for the second straight season, but the Spaniard is adamant they must focus on their hopes of securing a Champions League placing and nothing more.

"I think for all our fans it would be really good [to stop United]," said Benitez.

"The rivalry between both teams is massive but for me, as a professional, I will keep my feelings inside.

"These games between United and Liverpool are more or less the same for both - it doesn't matter about the position in the table because both want to win so the pressure will be on both sides.

"As a manager you want to win against any club but especially against top sides.

"We need to win because we want to be in the top four."

On their last visit to Old Trafford, Liverpool ran up a magnificent 4-1 success.

However, Benitez feels his side must not dwell on past feats and look to ensure they are not victims of a United backlash.

"It is another game, another season so we have to approach it as another challenge," said Benitez.

"Maybe they will think if we don't play well they can beat us but they have experience and will approach the game as they usually do.

"I don't think they will be thinking too much about the past.

"Last year was a very important and amazing game for us. It was the first victory there for me but it is another year and another challenge and we have to concentrate on this game."

A win over Alex Ferguson's men would cap a fantastic week for Liverpool, following back-to-back triumphs against Portsmouth and Lille.

The Reds boss accepts it will be no easy task to come away with all three points, but feels he has a squad capable of beating anyone on their day.

"In terms of the week, we've had two good wins and people have more confidence so we will move forward and be ready for the next game," said Benitez.

"We played really well on Monday and Thursday was a good game and hopefully we can get a result at Old Trafford.

"If we stick together we can beat anyone. Old Trafford will be difficult but we will try.

"If we can work like we did against Lille and we have a game plan it will be the small details that make the difference."

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