The differing levels of confidence are a major point of difference between Manchester United and Liverpool at the moment according to Michael Owen.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his first win over the Reds as a manager courtesy of their FA Cup success.
The Norwegian has led United to the top of the Premier League, taking advantage of Liverpool's drop off in form.
Jurgen Klopp's side have found goals hard to come by in recent weeks with their normally relentless attack struggling for ideas.
Mohamed Salah scored both of their goals in the 3-2 loss at Old Trafford with Bruno Fernandes grabbing the winner with ten minutes left.
Owen, who played for both clubs, felt the game was in the balance late on but United's current frame of mind was key in seeing them through.
"It was open," Owen told BT Sport.
"I suppose from Liverpool’s point of view it was a disappointing result, however, scoring two goals that will delight Jurgen Klopp. Mo Salah with both of them.
"I think today the difference with the two sides: one is very confident, on a great run of form at the moment and the other just having a bit of a blip. That almost played out.
"He [Salah] will be disappointed to score two goals and still not be on the winning side but then super sub [Fernandes] came on.
"He’s not normally a sub but he’s a game changer alright. Great free-kick."
The Red Devils have been in excellent form over the past few months following a difficult start.
Solskjaer had to deal with speculation regarding his job, but he seems to have found a winning formula.
“For us it’s a good feeling, to play on our terms,” he said.
“We’ve found a way of playing that we believe in, that the players believe in. We are getting stronger and stronger."
