Manchester United star, Ander Herrera taunts Liverpool over title drought ahead of Manchester United clash - 'we are now clearly ahead'

The Spaniard has immersed himself in the history of the fixture and how Sir Alex Ferguson knocked the Reds off their perch, and he wants that to continue at Old Trafford on Sunday

Herrera in action against Liverpool earlier this season (Photo: Clive Brunskill)
Ander Herrera is well versed in Mancunian history.
One of the first things the Basque midfielder did when he arrived at Manchester United, two-and-a-half years ago, was immerse himself in the legend of how Sir Alex Ferguson knocked Liverpool off their perch.
So, while he understands the importance of Sunday’s clash, he also knows what it means for United fans to stay top dogs – exemplified by Gary Neville’s celebration in front of Liverpool fans in 2006.
“Liverpool is the big one for all of us,” said Herrera. “We know our history. I know Sir Alex changed the history of this rivalry because, when he came, Liverpool were a long way ahead, in terms of titles.
“But after Ferguson’s time here, now we are ahead – and clearly ahead – so I know what it means to our fans.
“I like to know about ­football and everything about a club when I play there, so I talk to people when they come up to me in the street.
“I like to read and ­understand. I don’t go to a club and just play.
“I like to be informed about what happened in the history, so, believe me, I know about this fixture and I understand the significance.
“Before coming to United, I watched a game when ­Liverpool won here 3-0 and Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed another.
"But all our stadium was singing ‘20 times, 20 times, Man United’ to make ­Liverpool remember that we have more titles.
“It is just a game with three points at the end, but we all know what the history means.”
Herrera has become a real cult hero at United this season after a difficult first two years at the club, following his £29million transfer. Jose Mourinho’s arrival has enabled the 27-year-old to ­demonstrate the full range of his technique and tenacity.
Herrera’s two previous ­appearances against Liverpool at Old Trafford have both ended in victory – and last season, he scored from the penalty spot in a 3-1 win.
Herrera was also on the end of Gerrard’s red-card lunge that saw the ­Liverpool legend sent off just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute in his last-ever game against United, in March 2015.
Herrera said: “The important thing for us is to keep our minds calm and stable because this kind of game, you can easily receive a red card after five or 10 minutes because the passion and emotion is high.
"Our fans will make a big atmosphere and it will be very noisy, so we know we have to keep some mental balance.
“The game will not be won or lost in just five minutes. It will be 90 minutes and, if we win the match, then you will have to do it step by step.
“Both teams are in a very good moment, but I have played two Premier League games against Liverpool at home and we have won both – and, hopefully, we can keep that run going.
“We have to respect them because they are fantastic.
“They play with an amazing energy, they fight for every ball and press always. Liverpool never give up. They don’t have too many weaknesses.
“But we have to realise, as well, that we are Man United – and we have the quality to beat them.”