"Now we have to wait and see what happens at Old Trafford. Hopefully Arsenal will do the right things for us.

"If not we have to look to improve for next season, while keeping the same mentality and confidence."

Benitez insists the fact that Liverpool have kept up their pursuit of United until this stage of the season is an achievement in itself considering the financial gulf between the two clubs.

"When you talk about United you are talking about a top side who have been spending big money on a lot of top class players," says the Spaniard. "That’s the main difference between them and the other teams.

"They can make mistakes and they can change players without anyone noticing.

"If you remember our game against them they had Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov on the bench.

"We cannot do things like this. We have to have Gerrard and Torres out there all the time.

"They can play Berbatov, Rooney, Ronaldo or Tevez. That means big money and that’s because they have 75,000 fans in their stadium every week.

"There is a massive difference in the money they have got but on the pitch we are reducing the gap. We’ve made progress and clearly have to be really proud of the team’s performance this season.

"We have to be positive but it doesn’t mean next year will be easier. Every year is different and in the summer we have to ensure we do the right things.

"We will need to bring in new players to keep up the competition for places."

Benitez adds: "It’s not necessarily a case of us having to win the league next year to improve. This has been a good season but could have been better in terms of progressing further in Cup competitions. If we want to improve next year we have to keep playing at the same level in the league.

"At the end of the season consistency is the key. You can’t win the league the next year if you have been 20 points behind this one. Now, because we are closer, we will see what happens next time. They will improve so we have to, as well.

"At least we have shown our level and that we can be consistent, which is good for wanting to win trophies and titles.

"We need to play well and keep close to the top, that is the key. It’s not a case of we have to win the title next season, but to be in a position where we can do it with just a bit more luck.

"I will be watching the game tomorrow and cheering for Arsenal, clearly."