Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Manchester United's consecutive defeats came as a surprise.

"Over the last few years we have finished the season miles behind Chelsea and Manchester United, so at least this season shows the progress we've made," Gerrard told the Sunday Express.

"A club like Liverpool should be in the title race and we should stay in it until the end.

"We were surprised that Manchester United lost two games on the spin with the quality they have and the run they'd been on - 14 games unbeaten.

"It was surprising we got back into the race, so it is important we take this final chance."