Liverpool v United: You must read Rio's motivational message

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are currently three points clear at the top of the table and can extend that advantage to six, with a victory over Jurgen Klopp’s champions on Merseyside. 

Everybody is buzzing for the 16:30 GMT kick-off and that includes Ferdinand, who loved this fixture throughout his illustrious playing career – and famously scored twice against Liverpool at Old Trafford. 

Writing on his official Instagram account, Rio says: “There are big games, there are games that mean a bit more than the other and then there’s the Liverpool game - especially when both teams are near the top of the table. Obviously with no fans in the stadium it’s not going to be quite the same but trust me the importance of this game and it’s history will not be lost on these current players.

“Even just the thought of losing this game used to make you feel sick. This Manchester United team have the opportunity to really hurt this Liverpool team’s confidence by going six points clear of them with a win. You couldn’t ask for more of an incentive right now. PS. Liverpool haven’t lost at home for nearly four years also... another incentive right there!

“Fergie used to always say to us at Anfield 'this ain’t like the old Liverpool teams that used to play here' and just that little mention of the lacking some quality would put a spring in your step. Ole (or someone in that changing room) must be shouting that this is a weakened team compared to the last couple of seasons, first choice CB’s out - 'GET AT EM FROM THE FIRST WHISTLE'.

“Simple yes but sometimes highlighting the obvious can trigger something. These games aren’t about over complicating things a lot of the time. Control your emotions, meet the challenge physically amd mentally head on, play quick and aggressive and punish any mistakes. The rest takes care of itself! 

“Tactically you should know the drill and be working off auto pilot from that standpoint. Control the crowd by keeping them in their own half and don’t doing anything to lift their fans...these were massively important aspects too which unfortunately for us won’t need to be dealt with today. If there’s one thing these types of games miss more than anything during these Covid times, it’s having no fans to ignite the atmosphere.

“Liverpool are vulnerable, United need to smell blood and go for the kill - these are the moments you dream of as a United player. Let’s hope the Utd players do it!”