Manchester United's cult hero Ander Herrera doesn't want anyone to 'do a Steven Gerrard' and lose their heads against Liverpool.

Herrera was the victim of Gerrard's stamp in 2015 when the hyped-up Liverpool captain was sent off 38 seconds after being introduced as a second-half substitute at Anfield for a match United went on to win 2-1.

The Spaniard, hugely popular with United supporters after becoming one of the key men under Jose Mourinho, stressed the importance of staying calm amidst the emotion of today's game against Jurgen Klopp's side.

Ander Herrera has emplored his Manchester United teammates to keep their cool

'The important thing for us is to keep our minds calm and stable because in this kind of game you can easily receive a red card after five or ten minutes because the passion and emotion is high,' he said.

'Our fans will make a big atmosphere and it will be very noisy so we have to know we have to keep some balance in our mind because the game will not be won or lost in just five minutes.

'It will be 94 minutes so it will be a massive game for all of us and if we win the match then you will have to do it step by step.

Steven Gerrard was red carded for Liverpool in the derby for stamping on Ander Herrera

Herrera believes it is the type of contest where a player can be sent off in five or ten minutes

'Of course for all of us, we know our history. We know which is the biggest game for all our fans are the ones against Liverpool and City. Now both teams we are in a very good moment so that makes the game even more enjoyable.'

Herrera has won both Premier League games against Liverpool at Old Trafford that he's been involved in, capped by Anthony Martial's superb solo effort on debut last season.

Another strong memory is watching the fixture in Spain in 2013 when he was already being linked with a move to United.

Herrera has become a fan favourite at Old Trafford and his comments will endear him further

'Liverpool won here 3-0 and Steven Gerrard scored two penalties and missed another, but all our stadium was singing '20 times. 20 times Man United' at the end to make Liverpool know we have more titles than them,'he says.

'It made me understand about the United supporters and since I've been here, I' ve enjoyed talking to people when they come up to me in the street and learning everything about the club.

'I don't go to a club and just play. I like to be informed about the history so believe me I know about this fixture and I understand the significance.'

United parked the bus to gain a 0-0 draw at Liverpool in October when Mourinho' s men were struggling. They are now in markedly better form with nine consecutive victories behind them and Herrera is anticipating a different kind of fixture at Old Trafford.

The Spaniard is anticipating a more adventurous approach than last time at Anfield

The 27-year-old noted the significant absentees for both side at the Africa Cup of Nations

'I'm not going to tell you the tactics but when we went to Anfield it was not our best moment so we wanted to keep a clean sheet and not concede a goal,' said the 27-year-old Spanish international.

'I think Liverpool were in a very good moment but they only created chances outside the box so that means we did a good job. But now we want to score goals so we have to create more to attack more, but of course you have more chances to win if you don't concede.

'Also, the players will be different. They cannot play (Sadio) Mane as he is at African Cup of Nations and we can't play (Eric) Bailly for the same reason.

'Of course next week will be different for us and the fans if we beat Liverpool compared to losing the game.'