Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Reds 'won't get carried away'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers urged caution after they maintained their flawless start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over champions Manchester United at Anfield.

Daniel Sturridge was Liverpool's match-winner for the third successive league game, and the Reds are yet to concede a goal in their best start since 1994-95.

"We won't be getting carried away," said Rodgers. "We have got to continue to improve. Initially we want to try and get into the top four and be in that conversation as long as we can."

He added: "I said before the game that since we last played Manchester United we have both played 18 games and there was only two points difference. They went on to become champions and we suffered because of an indifferent first half of the season.

"It is another step for us because we drew too many of the big games last season. It is an indicator that our winning mentality is becoming stronger. You could see the reaction through the team was very good and that's what we are going to need."

Rodgers admitted Liverpool were lifted by Wayne Rooney's late withdrawal from the Manchester United team with a head wound sustained in training that is expected to keep him out for three weeks.

"Wayne Rooney is world class," said Rodgers. "He is quality and a top operator and when you hear he isn't playing, of course it gives you a tonic."