Europa League - Liverpool v Manchester United: Fallen giants eyeing back-door route to join Europe's elite

The Europa League last-16 has thrown up a mouth-watering first continental encounter between the north-west rivals, but the fact they are going toe-to-toe in this competition only underlines how far the most successful clubs in English football history have fallen recently.

United and Liverpool have won 20 and 18 league titles, respectively, along with a combined eight European Cups – a history of success that Van Gaal believes came during a bygone era.

“In football, it’s normal,” said the Reds manager of teams falling from the summit.

“It’s not normal that one team is dominating for 20 years in a row (as) the champion.”

When put to Van Gaal that Liverpool and United had dominated for decades, he responded: “It was another time, it was another time. You live in the past and you have to live in the present, I think.”

The Europa League may well offer both clubs their best chance of reaching the Champions League. United sit sixth in the Premier League, three points off the top four, and Liverpool are a place and three points worse off, with a match in hand.

Europa League glory would guarantee a place at European football’s top table, adding extra motivation – if any was needed – for the last-16 tie.

“Liverpool-Manchester United is always a big game traditionally,” said Van Gaal ahead of tonight’s first leg.

“It’s historic and, especially because both teams fight for a Champions League position, it’s a big game for both sides.”

The Thursday night trip to Anfield offers Van Gaal the chance to win a fifth successive competitive match against Liverpool.