Javier Mascherano admits the fitness of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard will be key to any Liverpool success this season.

After victory at Manchester United, Mascherano said: "Fernando is so important for us.

"We were losing the game but when you have key players like Fernando and Stevie in front of you, and in that form, then it gives you confidence that you can always go on and win, no matter who you are playing against. They are two top players who can do anything.

"We worked really well in defence and United didn't create many chances. You have to give the defenders credit too. We played as a team against United and we need to keep that up."