“This is no time for satisfaction. We cannot be relaxed with this win – that is the message.

“Now we have to continue winning. We must repeat everything we did (against United) in all the competitions.

“Liverpool is a big club, and we have to show that every single game.

“We had to win because it was a massive game for the supporters and the club.

“It was a team effort. The fans are always behind us, and the team worked really hard – everyone was running and fighting.”

Mascherano’s battling for the cause earned him a late dismissal by referee Andre Marriner for a second yellow card but he has no complaints against the decision.

“Maybe the referee was right to send me off. I made a mistake,” he conceded.

Torres is almost certain to find himself on the sidelines, along with Mascherano and captain Steven Gerrard at Arsenal in the Carling Cup tomorrow night.

The Spaniard was only “80% fit” for the Manchester United game, Benitez reported – while Gerrard is believed to be some way short of fitness following his groin problem.

Torres said: “I wasn’t really at my best (against United). We knew before the game I couldn’t play to 100%, because I had some pain. But in games like that the pain doesn’t matter.”

Torres took his goal tally for the season to nine and added: “I feel a bit of pain when I shoot across (goal), so I could only shoot towards the near post. It was the only thing I could do.

“We are in the (title) race again. We knew before the game that we had to win – and we did it.

“We have to be focused for Fulham on Saturday. But we feel like a strong team again, because we’re working together – like in the past.”