Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says Sunday's game against Liverpool is "crucial" in the race for a top four finish.
With Liverpool sitting just two points behind the Red Devils, defeat would result in United dropping out of the Champions League zone.
And the Dutchman is desperate to avoid such a scenario.
"We are in a very crucial stage," van Gaal told MUTV.
"We cannot lose otherwise Liverpool will come above us and that would not be good. Therefore, it is very crucial.
"The next game is the most important game – especially in this rat race, but of course I know it is our competitor.
"I know it is, for our fans, the enemy and it's very important. I want to win against Liverpool again. We have already won two times [against them, in pre-season and in December], but the last time they lost [in the league] was against us – a long time ago. It shall be very difficult."
Asked to give an update on injured players, van Gaal explained: "I don't think they [Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw] are fit to play, but maybe on the bench. I have to see how they are.
"He [Robin van Persie] was today for the first time, on the training pitch running, so he has made progression also."
