Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester United vs. Liverpool is like El Clasico'

Louis van Gaal has claimed that Manchester United's rivalry with Liverpool is just as intense and renowned as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The United boss has coached Barca against their fierce Spanish rivals in what is regarded by some as the biggest game in club football.

Ahead of his first visit from the Merseyside club on Sunday, the Dutchman said that the English fixture is comparable with El Clasico.

He told the club's official website: "[Liverpool vs Manchester United] is like [El Clasico], of course. Barcelona versus Real Madrid was [in front of] 102,000 in the first time I was working there.

"The stadium adapted to 102,000 and they were all sitting there. I won my first derby with Barcelona 3-0, so I was very pleased. I hope that I shall win this first derby also."

United lost home and away to their arch rivals last season, but are currently seven points above them in the table.