Rafa: United win must not be in vain

The Liverpool chief maintains only a victory on Sunday over a flagging Aston Villa will keep the feel-good factor going.

He said: "I know how much winning at Manchester United means to our fans. You only had to be on the motorway coming home with them last weekend to realise that. But we must put that result behind us now and concentrate on winning against Villa."

He added: "We are four points behind Manchester United and they have a game in hand, so only by winning every game we have left can we have a say in the title race."

Benitez has spent the last few days signing and then celebrating his new five-year contract, and has already been actively involved in discussions with agents over extending contracts of his current staff.

But the confidence will be shattered if Liverpool cannot beat a Villa side who have struggled of late to keep their own impressive season on the rails.

He said: "It is very difficult for them to continue to play at the same high level for a long time.

"The other teams are top sides and very strong. Villa have had a fantastic season and they are in a very good position, and they must try to stay in contention until the end.

"But Arsenal are playing better and the situation will become difficult for Villa. But it is still a good season for them."

And he added: "The players know they must win every game, that is the only way we can stay close to Manchester United."