Manchester United boss, Louis van Gaal believes people are "living in the past" if they think Manchester United and Liverpool are above Europe's second-tier competition.
The Europa League last-16 has thrown up a mouth-watering first continental clash between the north-west rivals, but the fact they are going toe-to-toe in this competition only underlines how far the most successful clubs in English football history have fallen recently. |
That current state of affairs domestically means the Europa League may well offer both clubs their best chance of reaching the Champions League.
United sit sixth in the Barclays Premier League, three points off the top four, and Liverpool are a place and three points worse off, albeit with a match in hand.
However, Europa League glory would guarantee a place at European football's top table regardless of league performance, adding extra motivation - if any was needed - for the last-16 tie.
"Liverpool - Manchester United is always a big game traditionally," Van Gaal said ahead of Thursday's first leg.
"It's historic and, especially because both teams fight for a Champions League position, it's a big game for both sides."
Thursday's trip to Anfield offers Van Gaal the chance to win a fifth successive competitive match against Liverpool.#LFC face @ManUtd for the first time ever in European competition. Come on, Reds! https://t.co/jCJmVFqELd— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2016
It is feat that would fill the Dutchman with pride, even if he has seemingly divorced himself from the magnitude of emotions attached to the derby.
"I think football in England is very deep in the life of the people," the United boss said.
"Of course I have noticed that also in Spain and in Germany, but that was less so deep than here so it is fantastic to see that.
"That's also one aspect as to why I wanted to come here, to have that experience.
"Sometimes I can see too much but I like it to see (it) because you can see the heart of the club and also the feeling that they are with you every game.
"So that is nice for the players, I think, but also nice for the manager.
"Not all the people are like that but several people are thinking they are the enemy.
"I am not thinking like that, I am thinking like they are an opponent and a lot of fans want to beat the opponent."
Van Gaal finds it "curious" that United have enjoyed such a good run against Liverpool during his time at the helm, especially having struggled against some lesser teams.
West Brom are one such example and deservedly beat 10-man United 1-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday, when Juan Mata's uncharacteristic red card was catalyst to their downfall.
Marouane Fellaini was on the bench in the West Midlands and is in contention to feature in the Europa League first leg, which could also witness Antonio Valencia's return from a long-standing foot injury.
"I don't think (any new players shall be available), but Valencia is of course fit enough to be on the bench," Van Gaal added. "But to play 90 minutes, I don't think so.
"Valencia is coming back, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger is coming back.
"I think a lot shall come back in March but when they come back it is not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of a match because they are fit to train with us.
"But, for example, Schweinsteiger only one has one training session with us behind him.
"Valencia has a week so he is much closer to be on the bench, for example, but not to play in the (entire) match. That is different."
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