Liverpool vs Manchester United: Bitter rivals draw each other in the Europa League last-16

Old rivals pitted against each other

Wayne Rooney scores the winner (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool will face their most fierce rivals Manchester United in the last-16 of the Europa League.

The two clubs, England's most successful clubs, were drawn together in Switzerland. They have never previously played against each other in Europe.

The matches will be played a week after one another on 10 and 17 March - the first leg will be played at Anfield and the second at Old Trafford.

Kick-off times will be confirmed later this afternoon.

Louis van Gaal's team progressed after a 6-3 aggregate win over Danish minnows FC Midtjylland. United had suffered a shock 2-1 defeat in Copehagen a week ago, but managed an impressive 5-1 win on the night after going behind.

Jurgen Klopp's men only needed an early James Milner penalty to beat Bundesliga side Augsburg 1-0 on aggregate.

The last time the two clubs met Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 win at Anfield, while back in September, Anthony Martial scored twice to enjoy a perfect debut in a 3-1 win at Old Trafford.

Liverpool, five-time European Cup winners, have also tasted a trio of successes in the Europa League - lifting the then UEFA Cup in 1973, 1976 and 2001.

They come up against bitter rivals United who have three European Cup victories to their name but have never triumphed in this tournament.

With both famous clubs struggling to get into the top four this season, winning the Europa League could yet prove to be the easiest way to qualify for next season's Champions League and that will no doubt add even more spice to an already mouth-watering affair.

The third English club in the competition, Tottenham Hotspur, face favourites Borussia Dortmund.

Gary Neville's Valencia were drawn against Athletic Bilbao.