Ferguson - Don't write off Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to dismiss Liverpool as title contenders even though their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United leaves the Anfield men 11 points adrift in the Barclays Premiership race.

Paul Scholes marked his 500th Red Devils appearance by putting his side in front eight minutes before the break and Rio Ferdinand lashed home a brilliant second after half-time to seal a deserved victory. The result meant United returned to the Premiership summit, above Chelsea on goal difference, leaving Liverpool trailing in their wake.

Rafael Benitez's outfit have now lost four out of five away games this term and any hope of a title challenge already appears forlorn but Ferguson is not willing to write his old rivals off just yet, saying: "I would not dismiss Liverpool. They have a good run-in and there will be a freshness about them in the second half of the season because of the way Rafa has been ringing the changes."

He added: "But I have to say, I am looking at ourselves at the moment. I want my side to step forward and make sure we have a real go this year."

After losing to Arsenal earlier this season and failing to beat both Liverpool and Chelsea at the end of last term, Ferguson admitted his side had something to prove against United's major rivals.

They responded in perfect fashion, with Scholes and fellow veteran Ryan Giggs on top form, more than enough to dismantle a Liverpool team that offered little in attack themselves.

"After Arsenal, we knew we could not afford to lose another big one," said Ferguson.

"The belief in our squad is growing. We started the season with a desire to do well and so far the players have not let us down.

"We are playing with a lot of confidence and showing a great appetite for the challenge."