Liverpool would have gained many admirers with their gutsy and determined display against Manchester United despite a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Liverpool went into the match with a far inferior team in terms of age and quality but they controlled the tempo of the match well. It was an efficient away display which may have a knock on effect for their odds to win other competitions such as Europa League betting.

They managed to pin United inside their own half of the pitch for the final stages of the match and really should have grabbed a late equaliser for a deserved point.

Liverpool are currently in eighth place, nine points away from the Champions League places. They should comfortably secure Europa League football again for the 2013/2014 season but the Champions League looks a little too distant.

The defeat leaves Liverpool 24 points behind United in the title race but the gap in quality is deceiving according to Liverpool’s boss Brendan Rodgers, who rightly points out that Liverpool controlled both of their defeats to United this season.

“We are not 24 points behind in terms of quality. The points difference is due to the squad and once we close the gaps in the squad in the coming windows, I have great faith we will be able to challenge,” said Rodgers after the match.

Whether Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title over the next few seasons is a different question entirely.

The first thing the club should be aiming for is getting back into the Champions League which is difficult with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton all in the mix with the same ambition.

However, Liverpool should be confident because there is clear evidence that the manager has a clear vision, clear tactics and only wants the right personnel who will drive the club forward.

Combine this with the sound financial position which Liverpool should be in over the next few seasons and they will stand a chance of attracting some of the biggest names in the game, which will no doubt improve their chances of once again winning a league title.