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LONDON — Louis van Gaal has rubbished claims that Manchester United’s first ever European meeting with arch-rivals Liverpool has been devalued by being in the Europa League.
United travel to Anfield for the first leg of their last-16 meeting tomorrow (Friday morning, Singapore time), with the return at Old Trafford a week later.
The clubs have never met in European competition, but Van Gaal does not agree with assertions that the games are not as meaningful because they are not in the Champions League.
“I noticed that you have a negative view (of the Europa League in England), but against teams like Midtjylland, there were how many fans? 58,000,” said Van Gaal, reflecting on United’s last-32 match against the Danish minnows.
“United fans are appreciating it. How many fans do you think we’ll have against Liverpool (at Old Trafford)? I think maybe 75,000.
“I think also Anfield is sold out, so it’s very important for both teams and the fans want to see the duel between us.
“I think football in England is very deep in the life of the people. Of course I have noticed that also in Spain and Germany, but that was less deep than here.
“It’s fantastic to see that, that’s also why I wanted to come here, to have that experience … because you can see the heart of the club, and also the feeling that they are with you every game. It’s nice for the players and for the manager.
“You have to win — there is no difference (with it being a cup competition). United and Liverpool is always a big game.
“It’s historical and even bigger now because both are fighting for a Champions League place.”
Van Gaal had positive news on United’s injuries, as he expects players such as Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger to return this month.
“I think a lot of players shall come back this month,” he said.
“It’s not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of the matches.
“Bastian has had only one training session, Valencia has had a week — he is closer to being on the bench but not to play a match.” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
OVERALL RECORD
Liverpool wins: 64; Manchester United wins: 79; Draws: 51
Both teams can claim to be England’s most successful club. While United have surpassed Liverpool’s tally of league title wins (20 to 18), they trail 5-3 in European Cups and have won no Europa League/UEFA Cup titles to Liverpool’s three.
Sevilla v Basel
Fenerbache v SC Braga
Borussia Dortmund v Tottenham Hotspur
Athletic Bilbao v Valencia
Villarreal v Bayer Leverkuusen
Liverpool v Man United
