Defender Virgil van Dijk is keen to see how Manchester United versus Liverpool compares to the Old Firm derby.

Van Dijk is set for his first experience of the rivalry – after the Reds secured his services in a £75-million deal from Southampton in January – in a match with much on the line considering that only two points separate Jose Mourinho’s United in second from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in third.

The 26-year-old Dutch international made his first steps in British football at Celtic and relished the fierce crosstown showdowns with Rangers in Glasgow.

From what Liverpool fans have led him to believe, Van Dijk is expecting something similar at Old Trafford on Saturday.

‘It’s massive – the reactions I’ve had already from fans, [I know] it’s such a big game,’ he told Liverpool’s official website. ‘I feel that already, and have for the last few weeks.

‘If you look at the table, you’ll see the No 2 spot is very important for both of us. We want to win the game – just like the fans, we want to do everything that’s possible to win it. I definitely know how important it is for our fans.

‘I’ve played in the Old Firm derby and that was very special – now I’m definitely looking forward to this game and seeing how the atmosphere is.’

Klopp’s men have only lost once in the Premier League since October and the confidence from such an impressive run has proved contagious for Van Dijk.

‘I’ve not been here for long, but I feel like we can beat anyone,’ he added.

‘It’s going to be a very tough game going there, and they have so much quality – but we do as well. It’s going to be a very interesting game.

‘I’ve been hearing so many stories about the game, about how big this game is.

‘I’m definitely looking forward to it and I can’t wait for it to start.’