Despite those three defeats - to Tottenham, Aston Villa and Chelsea - Liverpool are a more open side this season with 22 goals in eight league matches to make them the Premier League’s second-highest scorers behind Arsenal.

They have the same number of points as United had at the same stage 12 months ago and have yet to hit top form.

Defensively they have looked shaky, with just two league clean sheets compared to four from eight games last season.

However, Benitez is hopeful the return of centre-back Daniel Agger, who has not played a first-team game since the end of May after a summer back operation, and the inclusion of £20million former Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who is yet to make his debut after ankle surgery, will provide a boost to the squad.

“We have some players coming back from injury, so we have time,” added the Spaniard.

“We need to keep the mentality, keep scoring goals and we will see.”

Benitez is also confident the greater competition seen in the league this season - with the likes of Burnley beating United and Wigan defeating Chelsea - means more points will be dropped by all the leading title contenders.

“I think it will be tough at the top of the table,” he added.

“Chelsea are a good team but don’t forget they will lose some players at the Africa Cup of Nations (in January) so we will see.

“Everyone is talking about Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa, so I think it could be a very open race.

“That is why my message is the same - for us to keep doing our job properly.”