Morgan Schneiderlin: 'No friends in derby showdown'

Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has vowed to put friendship to one side when taking on Liverpool.

The Frenchman starts on the bench for the Red Devils in this evening's Premier League match at Old Trafford.

Schneiderlin has a close bond with former Southampton teammates Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana, all of whom now ply their trade at rivals Liverpool, though the feisty background of the derby affair will ensure that friendship is cast aside.

"It'll be nice to see them off the pitch after the game, they are friends and we had good times together," he told the club's official website.

"On the pitch, like in any game, they will be our enemies. We'll speak and have a laugh afterwards but, before and during the game, there are no friends."

Schneiderlin spent seven years at St Mary's before joining Manchester United during this summer's transfer window.