Sterling: I analysed Old Trafford misses

December 14 was the day Brendan Rodgers introduced a new system for the game at Old Trafford, positioning Sterling through the middle and switching to three central defenders.

The fresh approach freed up the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in advanced roles, but it was powerless to prevent United inflicting a sobering loss.

Sterling was thwarted on numerous occasions by opposition goalkeeper David De Gea, while the home side made no mistake with their opportunities at the other end, hitting three without reply.

Since the defeat, Liverpool have grown into the new formation, they have played with purpose and solidity and, as a result, the Reds have lost just one game in 18 encounters.

Seven goals have come Sterling's way in that time, with the most recent arriving in the teeming south coast rain against Southampton on Sunday.

And as he prepares to play his part against Besiktas in the Europa League tonight, the youngster has explained how he responded to a testing afternoon in front of goal against Louis van Gaal's side.

"That day for me against United was massive," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I had a few chances to win us the game and I missed them. I was devastated after.

"Everyone at this football club wanted to win that game. It was a real low. I went home and watched the clips over and over again, just to see what I could have done better. I said to myself the next time I get into that position that I should just stay calm.

"When the manager told me I was playing up front the next game against Bournemouth as well I was really focused. Luckily enough, I got two goals.

"Even in the defeat to United, the manager said that you could see our identity coming back. We started playing with a lot more authority than earlier in the season. We created a lot more chances.

"I'm not saying it had anything to do with me being up front but he did say we were a lot more fluent. After such a disappointing day, it's always nice to hear those things.

"It's nice playing up front because you don't have to do as much defending - I'm only joking! When I was up there I was just happy to do a job for the team."

Sterling hit a brace against Bournemouth at Dean Court in the game which came after the loss to United and made a decisive intervention as the Reds claimed a narrow 1-0 win at Burnley on Boxing Day.

Goals against Chelsea, West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers followed, before the 20-year-old arrived to slot his side's second goal of the game and clinch an important victory against Southampton on Sunday.

However, Sterling, who will hope to make his 18th appearance in Europe for the Reds in the Turkish capital tonight, feels there is still room for improvement.

"I feel my own form has been a bit stop-start," he admitted. "For a young player I suppose that's natural, but if I want to get my game to the next level then I need to be consistent week in, week out.

"If I am not scoring, I need to be assisting a goal or having a strong effect on the game. That is something I am working on. I am very critical of myself and always look at what I can improve on. At this moment in time that's my finishing - no-one else has to tell me.

"Any chance I get I'm looking to improve. I get five balls on my left side and five on my right side. How many go in? On the right I score three or four, left side only one or two.

"I've got 10 goals this season but I could easily have had 15 goals if I'd taken half my chances and been a bit more relaxed. That is something that I am working on every day to become a better finisher. When the penny drops hopefully that will improve my game."