After The United Result: What Next For Rafa and Liverpool?

The coolest man in Anfield on Sunday was Rafa Benitez.

Even when Fernando Torres broke the deadlock against United he remained calm while the Kop went mental. And when the match finished in the 97th minute, Anfield went ballistic again, Benitez again kept his cool.

Despite beating the so called Red Devils for the third time in a row and ending their worst run of results since 1987.

Liverpool were excellent, showing a much better defensive display and while Torres was mostly quiet, but like all world class strikers, he took his goal superbly.

In contrast, Manchester United were poor, and have been playing below par for some time. Apart from today though, they have got the results when Liverpool have not.

So what now for Liverpool?

Well, if they drop any points away to Fulham next week then Benitez will be under pressure again, and the United result will have been for nothing.

They are only 4 points behind United and with Gerrard, Riera, Aquilani and Kelly coming back soon, are still in the title race. So they must not drop out again.

Torres is almost 100 percent fit and Lucas, Carragher and co can all build on their magnificent display against United. Good form has to carry on now and everyone needs to play to the same level as yesterday.

Liverpool's strength in depth is a major concern, and this was only one match. But they have some other decent players, not just Torres and Gerrard.

Reina, Mascherano, Agger, Carragher (if he plays well now), Johnson, Benayoun, Kuyt and good prospects like Lucas and N'gog.

I believe Babel should have a few more chances to impress, maybe should be a back up for Torres in away games. His pace could be a good out ball.

So although Liverpool have still had a poor start to the season, and that there is still a long way to go, with Arsenal (Carling Cup) in midweek and Fulham at the weekend, we can take heart and confidence from the United result when we needed it most.

Benitez? Well, time and time again, he gets the result right when he needs it most.

That what good managers do.

Liverpool need to go on a winning run now, but they are not out of this title race yet.

Not just yet.