Virgil van Dijk says the strong competition between Liverpool and Manchester United will make Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final a significant challenge for his team that is aiming for four trophies.
Liverpool visit Old Trafford with the goal of getting closer to winning the second trophy of manager Jurgen Klopp’s last season at the club.
After defeating Chelsea in the League Cup final, Klopp’s team is involved in an exciting Premier League title race with Arsenal and Manchester City, and they also have a Europa League quarter-final match against Atalanta.
As Liverpool aims to win all available trophies and United strives to save their last chance for silverware this season, the stage is set for the next chapter in English football’s most famous conflict.
Separated by only 30 miles, the cities of Liverpool and Manchester have been joined in mutual dislike since the Industrial Revolution, competing for superiority in football, music, fashion, and various other areas.
On the field, Liverpool and United have had numerous memorable matches.
In the 1970s and ’80s, the rivalry turned violent when there were fierce clashes between hooligan groups, making the fixture one of the most savage on the domestic calendar.
Even though violence in the stands is less common nowadays, police will be on high alert on Sunday when 9,000 Liverpool fans come to Old Trafford.
United has 20 English titles, but Liverpool, with six European Cups to their rivals’ three, aims to match that achievement this season.
In recent times, Manchester City have become Liverpool’s main rivals in a series of significant battles for Premier League dominance.
Despite the change in the balance of power, Liverpool captain Van Dijk believes matches with United still require a special level of dedication.
Asked to explain what it's like to play against United, the Dutch center-back said: “Intense. Not just the actual game but the entire build-up is like a game in itself. I enjoy being involved in these types of matches.”
• ’Additional pressure’ –
Van Dijk also stated: “We always have a tough match against them and I anticipate another tough one on Sunday.
“They find ways to win, but I focus on what we need to do against them. It’s always challenging, it’s always intense.
“The history of the games between the two biggest clubs in England adds extra pressure and expectation. But why not just go out there and enjoy it, play our game, and hopefully advance to the next round.”
Liverpool have been dominant recently, with a 5-0 win at Old Trafford in 2021 and a 7-0 victory at Anfield last year.
United, who have only won three times in their last 18 games against Liverpool, are eager to avoid the embarrassment of their rivals effectively ending their season.
Erik ten Hag’s team is currently sixth in the Premier League and faces a difficult task to qualify for the Champions League through a top-four finish.
Under close observation by new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, Ten Hag has faced criticism in a disappointing second season, but a win against Liverpool would give the Dutch manager some relief.
“Actually, we never had the chance to change things so far,” Ten Hag said. “We had our chances, but we didn't take advantage of them.
“On Sunday we have another good chance to gain momentum. Lately, the team has been on a great run with many wins.”
United will be strengthened by the expected return from injury of Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund and defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“They have to believe they can do it. Now we have to build on the momentum,” Ten Hag said.
“That is what I feel when I train with them, that they have belief. There is a good spirit. Go and make the change.”
AFP
