Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits they beat Manchester United to sign midfielder Javier Mascherano last season.

He said: "I don't know how interested United were in him last January but they have signed two or three players in his position, sometimes paying more money than we did for Mascherano.

"We are happy with what we have. I don't know if United are happy but we are.

"Javier has a fantastic mentality. He's a top player who can be a key figure for us over the next few years."