Georginio Wijnaldum believes the current competitiveness between Liverpool and Manchester United makes it a bigger rivalry than the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Saturday as both teams compete for the runners-up spot in this season's Premier League.
With Everton currently 11th in the table, Wijnaldum feels there is more on the line for fixtures with United than there is when Liverpool encounter local rivals Everton.
"Yes of course, Manchester United are one of the biggest teams in England. The rivalry between us makes this game even better," the Liverpool midfielder told the Daily Mail.
"The game against Everton is a big one, I think bigger for them because they look up to us and we are looking more to Manchester United because we are playing for the titles.
"Maybe silly to say, but Everton are not really a competition in the title for us so maybe that's why we look differently to Everton than Manchester United."
Meanwhile, Saturday's fixture will be Virgil van Dijk's first experience of the Liverpool-United rivalry following his January move from Southampton.
"It's massive -- the reactions I've had already from fans, [I know] it's such a big game," Van Dijk told the club's official website. "I feel that already, and have for the last few weeks.
"If you look at the table, you'll see the number two spot is very important for both of us. We want to win the game -- just like the fans, we want to do everything that's possible to win it. I know that definitely how important it is for our fans.
"I've played in the Old Firm derby and that was very special -- now I'm definitely looking forward to this game and seeing how the atmosphere is."
Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on a seven-match unbeaten run, knowing that a win would see them overtake United to move into second place.
Jurgen Klopp's side handed leaders Manchester City their only league defeat of the season so far, and Van Dijk is confident that Liverpool can compete on any stage against any opponent.
"I've not been here for long, but I feel like we can beat anyone," the centre-half added. "It's going to be a very tough game going there, and they have so much quality -- but we do as well. It's going to be a very interesting game.
"I'm looking forward to it a lot. I've been hearing so many stories about the game, about how big this game is. If you look at the table at the moment, it's massive for both of us, the fans and all the people around the world who'll watch the game.
"I'm definitely looking forward to it and I can't wait for it to start."