With Liverpool set to face their rivals in the final of the International Champions Cup, the manager insists the match is more than just a pre-season friendly ahead of the new term

Brendan Rodgers has emphasised the importance of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United despite the game being a pre-season friendly.

The two rival clubs are set to contest the International Champions Cup final in Miami on Monday – the pair’s final fixture in the United States.

While building fitness is paramount, Rodgers and his men are determined to claim early bragging rights ahead of the Premier League season, which kicks off on August 16.

“Liverpool against Manchester United is about more than football, it’s about two cities which aren’t far apart, and who have historically always been rivals,” Rodgers told reporters.

“It is arguably the biggest game in the world and for it to be here in the US, it’s great viewing for them and magnificent news for the organisers.

“The most important thing is obviously about getting the players fit for the start of the season, but even winning in pre-season creates that belief and mentality, and so it’s very important.”

Liverpool exceeded expectations last season as they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title, finishing second to champions Manchester City.

It was a far cry from United’s campaign after the club faltered dramatically under manager David Moyes to place seventh in the standings and lost both league games to Liverpool.