Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez’s gamble to play an “80 per cent” fit Fernando Torres paid off when the Spaniard got the first goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Torres was still troubled by a groin injury that needed a pain-killing injection and Benitez, seeking to silence the home fans’ boos after four consecutive defeats in all competitions, only decided to risk him a few hours before kick-off. It proved an inspired move as the Spain striker held off Rio Ferdinand to put Liverpool ahead in the 65th minute before David Ngog added a second in stoppage time.

“It was a difficult decision on Torres because he has not been training,” Benitez told reporters. “You could see at times that he was not fresh but sometimes an 80 percent Fernando can make all the difference.”

Answering questions

Benitez, under increasing pressure after league defeats by Chelsea and Sunderland and Champions League losses to Fiorentina and Olympique Lyon, said his players had answered their critics.

“The passion, attitude and character of my players was the difference,” he said. “Everybody worked together from the beginning and the players answered a lot of questions today.

“We showed this team is better than people think. It was just a question of getting a little bit of luck, then the character would shine through.

“We needed to win for the confidence. I think it will be a big boost for the team and the fans. Hopefully, we can use this to kick-start our season.”

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