Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hopes his sides emphatic 4-1 victory over Manchester United can pave the way for others sides to have belief against the champions.

The Reds cut United's lead to just four points and is now hoping that teams up around the top can have the belief and confidence to take it up to Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

"We have shown the way," said Benitez.

"United have been playing with so much confidence. At least people will now see that they can lose.

"The message is there for everyone. In attack they are fantastic. You can see the quality they have. But in defence they have some weaknesses and we tried to exploit them."