The Spaniard led the line with aplomb in the 2-0 win at Anfield, and got his reward by putting Liverpool ahead after outmuscling Rio Ferdinand.

David Ngog made it 2-0 in injury time but it was Torres, and his return from an adductor injury, who made the headlines.

He told the club's official website: "I wasn't really at my best. We knew before the game I couldn't play to 100 per cent because I had some pain in some actions, but in games like this the pain doesn't matter."

only thing

Of his goal, he added: "I feel a bit of pain when I shoot across so I could only shoot towards the near post - it was the only thing I could do!"

Liverpool are now four points behind United and six behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.

"We are in the race again," said Torres. "We knew before the game that we had to win and we did it. Now we have a bit of confidence but we have to keep it going on Wednesday in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.

"Then we have to be focused for Fulham. But we feel like a strong team again because we're working all together like in the past. "

The Spaniard had missed the two previous defeats against Sunderland and Lyon.

www.liverpoolfc.tv