Manchester United defender Chris Smalling eagerly anticipating Liverpool clash

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has said that he is eagerly anticipating coming up against Liverpool in the last 16 of the Europa League.

The two most successful teams in English football will take their bitter rivalry to the European stage for the first time ever in the tie, the first leg of which takes place at Anfield on Thursday.

With both teams eyeing Champions League qualification through the Europa League there is plenty at stake over the two legs, and while United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he does not view Liverpool as the "enemy", Smalling is hopeful that the emotion of the tie will inspire the players.

"No matter whether it's the league or cup, it's a game that we all look forward to. Especially after the disappointment (of losing 1-0 at West Brom) on Sunday, this is a game we're all looking forward to. It's one where we need to stand up and be counted," he told reporters.

"I think it's good that the manager sees it from a tactical viewpoint. We work on the training pitch and before the game on our tactics on the training pitch before the game so we don't get caught up in the occasion. But when you step on over that white line, the emotion is what drives you on, and hopefully that brings out a better performance.

"I think quite often in these games the first 20 minutes are often quite frantic, but you want to get the upper hand on your opponent, whoever you're playing against. Say for example me against the striker, very early I want to get a challenge in and try to dominate. They are games that us players look forward to and I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Van Gaal has won all four of his previous meetings with Liverpool as United manager.