Louis van Gaal looks to keep Manchester United’s winning momentum against Liverpool

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on the touchline

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal is hoping to make it a record breaking five in five against Liverpool when the two English sides clash in their Europa League showdown on Thursday.

The two most successful clubs in English domestic football meet for the first time in European competition this week, with Van Gaal eager to keep up his win-streak against the Reds, having never lost in the four games against the Merseyside club since taking over at United in 2014.

A win on Thursday will make it five wins in five games against his bitter rivals, the first time the Red Devils would have ever achieved this feat, and something their Dutch coach has his eye on.

“It’s curious we have beaten Liverpool so many times under me, but it’s good for me as the appreciation is higher from the fans when I beat teams like Liverpool,” Van Gaal told reporters.

“I hope we shall beat them for the fifth time and the sixth time but more for the fans than myself.

“If we win for a fifth time then I am also in the books with a positive record.”

Van Gaal knows the importance of his side’s European tie, and feels the English presence in continental competition is an indication of the strength of the local league.

“You have to win – there is no difference with it being a cup competition,” he said.

“United against Liverpool is always a big game. It’s historical and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place.

“When you play in the Europa League, you are more likely to play clubs from other countries. But now we play against the same teams we normally play in the Premier League. It shows the Premier League is strong.”

Kick-off at Anfield on Thursday is set for 22:05 South African time. BBC