José Mourinho has claimed it is "beautiful to play at Anfield" and wishes his Manchester United side could play in such a cauldron every week – because it inspires rather than inhibits big players.
The United manager insisted there is nothing Liverpool fans can do to make Anfield intimidating for his players this weekend.
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"You know this is quite funny for me because I think when people speak about big atmospheres, it looks like we don't like it, it looks like it's a problem for us to go to a certain place and to face a big atmosphere but this is what we want," Mourinho said of the hostile reaction that is likely to await his team Saturday lunchtime, according to the Telegraph.
"It motivates us, it is something that we want, it is something that if we could have every match we would have every match."
"We know that the Liverpool fans have huge animosity against Manchester United historically, but this is what we want so we are very happy to have one more opportunity in our careers to play in these beautiful conditions. It's beautiful to play at Anfield. Beautiful."
"I never see a player complain, 'Oh, this atmosphere was very strong'. We complain when the atmosphere is flat." Mourinho said.
United had just one shot on target at Anfield last season but Mourinho offered a sarcastic response when asked if he would adopt a more expansive game this time around.
"I will play with one defender and nine strikers, don't worry about it, we play with one guy behind and then we go with a new system and we play with nine strikers, don't worry about it," he said.
José Mourinho will not read too much into the result of Manchester United's trip to Anfield on Saturday, insisting that whether his side wins or lose against Liverpool, one result will not define their season, according to the Independent.
"If you win you are not champions and if you lose you don't lose your chance to be champion," Mourinho said. "I think this is a season made of moments, of ups and downs. You cannot win every match, and you have to be strong enough mentally, for both sides."
Mourinho confirmed he will be without Michael Carrick for the game but Romelu Lukaku is expected to start after shaking off an ankle injury, as per ESPN.
Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba are set to miss out with knee and hamstring injuries, respectively.
United are looking to maintain their impressive start to the season and keep pace at the top of the table with Manchester City, who face Stoke City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
