Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand rates Liverpool as their biggest rivals.

Although Manchester City's emergence as a major threat has given derby day added significance, it is those other reds who really fire them up.

Ahead of tomorrow's 187th league meeting, Ferdinand said: "It is the fixture we look forward to first. The rivalry runs deep.

"Liverpool have not been fighting for the championship but the fans and the players are well versed in what this means to us as a club."

As well as the 37 titles and eight European Cups between them, the number of great players representing either United or Liverpool is the stuff of legend - as is the enmity.

Ferdinand added: "It is special. You look back over the years and there have been loads of great moments.

"You just want to add your name and be a part of a team that joins that long list.

"I always enjoy playing against Liverpool."