Rafa Benitez tells Man U to be afraid of Fernando Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has warned Manchester United to be afraid ahead of their clash on Sunday, as his side has the Torres factor again.

Fernando Torres scored his second double of the week to fire Liverpool into today's Europa League quarterfinal draw. And boss Benitez insists the striker is ready to terrorise United in the Premier League on Sunday.

"Fernando is confident and there is still some match fitness to come so he can still improve. It makes a big difference when Fernando is playing well and scoring goals," The Sun quoted Benitez, as saying.

"He's been working hard with the physios and I'm very pleased with the job they have done. How fit is he? I'd like to say only 50 per cent but it is clear he's close to his best.

"Steven Gerrard also played well and when they play like this, the whole team feels more confident," Benitez said.

Torres followed up his two goals in Monday's 4-1 league win over Portsmouth to steer Liverpool safely past French side Lille.