Kenny Dalglish believes the disappointment in the Liverpool dressing room following their 1-1 draw with Manchester United is an illustration of how far the team has come since his appointment in January.

Steven Gerrard looked to have given Liverpool a priceless victory on his first start since March with a precise free-kick from distance - but substitute Javier Hernandez popped up with a late header following a corner at the Anfield Road End.

Dalglish reflected: "We could have had the three points, I think it was pretty even and pretty sterile at the beginning of the match.

"Their goalkeeper made two fantastic saves and we had a chance right at the end which was a fraction too high for Jordan (Henderson) to get proper contact on it.

"It's a real indication of how far we've come when we come into the dressing room and the boys are disappointed that they've drawn 1-1 with Manchester United.

"We're delighted that they're disappointed. We'd have been happier if we'd got the three points but the attitude, even when United equalised when we came back and went for the three points, was admirable. The only thing that was missing today was walking away with three points."

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The visitors began the game with Wayne Rooney on the substitutes' bench.

Instead they played with Danny Welbeck as a lone striker and a defensive midfield pairing of Darren Fletcher and Phil Jones - a sign of respect according to Dalglish.

"It wasn't a surprise because after every international break Fergie has made changes to his team," he said.

"And he's also got a really important away game on Tuesday night in the Champions League. It's only right he's going to have to move his squad about. Then he comes back and he has to play Man City. It's a squad effort for us and obviously Alex feels the same. I think every manager does.

"I think it was a compliment as well."

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Dalglish was also delighted for Gerrard for scoring on his first start since our victory over United at Anfield in March.

The boss said: "The fact we've got Steven Gerrard playing is a real boost for us. It's fantastic for him that he's crowned his first start for a while with a goal. He's made a fantastic contribution to this football club and I'm sure he'll continue to do that. To see him back was brilliant for us and really encouraging for him."

On Luis Suarez and his workrate, Dalglish added: "Luis is fantastic and I'm running out of vocabulary to describe him. He's been a fantastic footballer since he came here and I'm sure he'll continue to be."

Dalglish was also quizzed on his side's defending for Hernandez's goal.

He said: "It should have been a goal kick. He gave a corner and we've got to defend better from that. We were unfortunate that Martin Skrtel slipped - he might have been there. But you've got to take it on the chin.

"We're a little bit disappointed we didn't get a penalty kick (from a Jonny Evans handball) as well but you've got to brush yourselves down and get on with it."