Liverpool victory over Manchester United 'just another game', says Jordan Henderson

Midfielder wants Reds to focus on Premier League title bid rather than victory over rivals

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson insists the team must not dwell on beating old rivals Manchester United and instead focus solely on maintaining their winning run.

Their 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford on Sunday was their fifth league win in succession and in the 10 matches since the turn of the year they are unbeaten, amassing 26 points to drive them into title contention in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds head to second-bottom Cardiff at the weekend looking to extend their winning streak and maintain the pressure on leaders Chelsea, who are four points ahead having played one match more.

Henderson said they have to put the euphoria of their first success at Old Trafford since 2009 - and only their 16th league win on the ground in 118 years - behind them and focus on what immediately lies ahead.

"It was a big win but it was just another game for us really," said the England international.

"We went there trying to do the same thing, put on a good performance, get three points and thankfully we did that so we can move on to the next performance and hopefully win that.

"We knew it was a massive game but we have been brilliant of late and we felt as though we were capable of doing what we have been doing all season and have a really good chance of winning the game.

"We dominated from start to finish and I am very pleased in that respect, but we just move on to this week against Cardiff, that will be a difficult task as we are away from home so we need to prepare well for that."

Manager Brendan Rodgers is reluctant to talk about their title chances but the players are not so reticent, with captain Steven Gerrard insisting the Reds are genuine contenders.

Further afield there appears to be no doubt the Reds are in the hunt but Henderson is happy for others to talk up their chances.

"I am sure they will but we have just got to keep focused on what we are trying to do as a team and take each game as it comes and not get too carried away," he said.

"That will start again next week against Cardiff and we will see where we are at the end of the season."

Defender Jon Flanagan believes their title rivals cannot fail to be concerned by the Reds' challenge as they go in search of a first championship since 1990.

"I think they are going to be worried," said Flanagan.

"We put a marker down (at Old Trafford). I think we are ready to push on and keep going.

"We all believe but our priority was to finish in the top four at the start of the season. We are on track for that and anything else is a bonus.

"It's always good when you see other teams around us losing. We saw the Chelsea result (losing at Aston Villa on Saturday) but we just concentrate on ourselves.

"We are just taking it a game at a time and keeping our feet on the ground.

"Momentum is building though. The lads are really happy but we are taking it step by step and hopefully we can keep that going."

PA