Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that the number of English clubs competing in Europe proves how "strong" the Premier League is.

The Red Devils will face arch rivals Liverpool for the first time in a European competition this Thursday when they go head to head at Anfield in the first leg of their last-16 tie in the Europa League.

United dropped into the second-tier European competition after failing to get past the group stages of the Champions League, which still contains Premier League trio Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

In Wednesday's press conference, it was suggested by reporters that United and Liverpool's participation in the Europa League has shown how far they have fallen, but Van Gaal disagrees.

The Dutchman said: "Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are playing in the Champions League so there are six clubs representing the Premier League [in Europe] and you have to be very proud of that. Not many leagues have clubs participating at that high level.

"Football in England is very deep in the lives of people. That is one aspect why I wanted to come here - to have that experience. You can see the heart of the club and also the feeling they are with you every game. It's nice for the players and the manager.

"When you play in the Euro League it is likely you play against clubs from other countries, but now we play against the same teams that we normally play in the Premier League and it's a signal that the Premier League is strong."

United have won the last four matches against Liverpool.