Saturday 14 October 2017 11:22, UK
Ahead of their clash on Sky Sports on Saturday, midfielder Emre Can insists Manchester United have changed their style against Liverpool in recent years.
United go to Anfield on Saturday unbeaten so far in the Premier League, while Liverpool have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, with the match live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am.
Jose Mourinho's United were criticised following the goalless draw in this fixture last season for a defensive approach, and Can says that while he cannot predict how they will play on Saturday, they have had to deal with more long balls in recent years.
Asked if Liverpool and Manchester United's styles were different, Can told Sky Sports: "Yes, it is different. I think in the last few years the style of football they always change it, Manchester United, a lot of long balls, but I don't know how they'll play on Saturday, we will see.
"It will be tough, they have good midfield players, [Nemanja] Matic, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and others. It won't be easy, but we have to try our best, try to win the challenges.
"It's a big, big match for everyone here at the club, everyone is looking forward to the game, the city is looking forward to the game and the fans as well. I think it's always a very special game.
"It will be a very tough game, we have to fight for the three points. If you play for the club, and it's my fourth year here, you realise after the first game what it means to the club, I know what it means."
The international break has given Liverpool the chance to take stock following a difficult month, with criticism surrounding their defending in recent games.
Can recognises there is a problem, but insists the whole side, not just the defence, should take responsibility for conceding goals.
"It's a problem, we know that, but not just from the defensive players, through to the attackers and us the midfielders. Everybody is responsible for the defence.
"I think of course before the internationals we had a few weeks where it was a bit tough for us, but I thought we didn't play bad, we played good football and dominated the games, the problem is we didn't score the goals when we created the chances.
"It's not always easy, from the media side they are always saying we have to win again, win again, win again. But we have to believe in ourselves, to train hard, get our confidence back, and it will come again.
"It's a very, very important game, for the fans and for us. It's a very good game to get back on track again, we will fight for each ball, for the three points, and I hope the better team will win."
Can, who has been at Liverpool since 2014 following a move from Bayer Leverkusen, says it did not take him long to realise how special the rivalry was between the Merseyside club and United.
"You can lose every game in the season, but you have to win that one game. It means a lot to the fans, to the city, we will try our best to win the game.
"If you don't have motivation for this game, you are really wrong in that squad. It's a derby against Manchester United and it's normal to be motivated.
"I would say [it's different]. Against United it is a little bit special, it's a game where you don't want to lose, and if you lose the next few weeks you are not happy about it, and can't forget it."
Watch the extended interview on Premier League Live on Saturday ahead of Liverpool v Manchester United, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am
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