The two sides go head to head in a match which could go on to decide which team finishes in the top four by the end of the season. The race for a Champions League spot has been as fierce as ever and ultimately there might be space for only one of the teams which clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool come into this match in terrific form having performed admirably in recent weeks. The Reds trail their rivals by just two points and a win on Sunday can see them leapfrog their counterparts to fourth. They were against Swansea last time out in a match Brendan Rodgers' men were rather lucky to escape with all three points as Jordan Henderson's solitary goal of the match gave the Merseyside outfit a victory.
Man United on the other hand put forth arguably their best performance of the season when they went against an in-form Tottenham side. Rooney and Fellaini in particular were very impressive as the Red Devils picked up a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Manager Van Gaal is hopeful of another strong performance as he hopes of guiding his side back to Champions League.
"It [the race for the top four] shall last to the end," the Dutchman told reporters.
"But a win helps - and it helps a lot. It helps to continue for Manchester United because after a victory you need another victory to confirm what you have done against Tottenham.
"It is always about the next game because Manchester United is not in a moment that we can say a victory or loss doesn't matter. We have to win and also after the game against Liverpool we have to win otherwise it shall be for nothing the victory against Liverpool."
"The Spurs result (United won 3-0) could be the 'major' one we have been looking for but then we have to continue and then we have to confirm against Liverpool the display against Tottenham because when we can confirm it then we show that we are there maybe."
The Dutchman also accepted that beating Liverpool at their own home might be a daunting task but was confident that he can guide his side to a victory.
"But its the most difficult ground for Manchester United I believe I have heard. It is not a very easy ground for United that's true so - but now I'm the manager here maybe we can change that."
Liverpool are likely to welcome back midfielder Lucas Leiva and striker Mario Balotelli back to the squad. Manchester United on the other hand will continue to be without the likes of Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Robin Van Persie.
Liverpool vs Manchester United team sheets
Liverpool's First XI: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Allen, Henderson, Lallana, Moreno, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge
Man United's First XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney.
Liverpool's subs: Brad Jones, Glen Johnson, Kolo Toure, Gerrard, Lucas Leiva, Lambert, Balotelli
Man United's subs: Valdes, Rafael, Rojo, Di Maria, Januzaj, A Pereira, Falcao.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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