Liverpool vs Manchester United: Louis van Gaal believes rivalry is 'bigger' than ever due to Champions League place

Van Gaal feels that success in the Europa League is now a priority due to the Champions League qualification berth on offer

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal speaks at his pre-match press conference (Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal believes that the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool will be “bigger” than their Premier League history when they meet in Europe for the first time on Thursday because a place in the Champions League could be up for grabs.

The two Premier League rivals have never met in European competition in their history, but will do so in the Europa League last-16 this week with the second leg scheduled for next Thursday in what promises to be a fiery affair.

Having shown a negligence towards fielding full strength teams in the competition in recent years, Premier League sides have begun to take the second-tier tournament seriously given the winner will book themselves a place in Champions League next season. With both United and Liverpool set to miss out on the top four in the league this season, success in the Europa League could prove the best outcome for two clubs that have struggled in recent years.

Van Gaal understands the importance of not only reaching the quarter-finals but ensuring United beat their fierce rivals, and after admitting that the club are “happy” to be competing in the Europa League – having dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage – he stressed that the next two fixtures against the Reds are more important than ever.

"You have to win - there is no difference [with it being a Cup competition]," Van Gaal said. "United and Liverpool is always a big game.

"It's historical and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place."

Van Gaal responded angrily to a claim that the marquee fixture appearing in the second-tier competition was a sign of how far the mighty have fallen, and the Dutchman explained that the perception in England that the Europa League is not important was not a true reflection of how the fans feel this season.

"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,” Van Gaal responded.

"The fans of Manchester United are appreciating it. How many fans do you think we'll have against Liverpool, I think maybe 75,000.

"I think also Liverpool is sold out, so that's what I have to say, it's very important for both teams and the fans are liking to see the duel between us."

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling alongside manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

The 64-year-old also played down his 100 per cent record against Liverpool, having won all four matches against the Merseyside club since he arrived at Old Trafford in 2014. He was keen to stress that winning a fifth straight match would be a tough ask, although admitted that it has helped with his relationship with the fans that at times was strained to the point of supporters calling for his sacking.

"When you are writing that, it is much more difficult for my players to win the fifth battle against them so don't write it," Van Gaal said.

"It's curious we have beaten Liverpool so many times under me, but it's good for me as the appreciation is higher from the fans."