Last year's United defeat spurred us, says Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists last season's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United was the best defeat of his career.

The Reds were impressive on the day, creating a multitude of chances, but came up against an inspired David de Gea, with Raheem Sterling foiled on several occasions.

However, the loss proved to be a catalyst as the Reds went on a 13-match unbeaten run in the league, which was only ended by United at Anfield in March.

"It was probably the best defeat I've ever had," he said ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash, live on Sky Sports 1.

"You never want to lose the game but I saw enough in that day to know we had actually got our identity back. We should have scored goals but ultimately lost the game because we didn't defend well enough.

"From that moment we then kicked on and had a good spell.

Rodgers remains confident in his ability to get the best out of a squad which has seen £80m of new recruits added in the summer.

"We still have quality and we still have players we can bring in with a high-level of technique," he added.

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"I think this team will show its worth over the course of the season not just in the first four or five games.

"We are still only early in September. Even the season we nearly won the league (2013-14) we didn't play that brand of football until December time.

"When you can go into these types of games, play well and get a good result it can really help your confidence level and coming off the back of our last result that is something we want to do. We have the talent and focus."