The Brazilian also insists that he did not know about Manchester United’s title wins before last season but claims the Premier League champions still have their winning mentality
Philippe Coutinho admits that he had never heard of David Moyes before joining Liverpool.
The Brazilian, who is set to face the Premier League champions at Anfield on Sunday, also insists that he knew nothing of Manchester United’s title triumphs before last season.
Asked if he knew who Moyes was before moving to Liverpool, Coutinho told reporters: “No. I don’t remember watching United win any cups,” he added when pressed on their history.
“I remember last season they won the league, that’s as far as I know.”
The youngster believes, however, that the United players still possess their winning mentality despite the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and sees Sunday’s fixture as a chance for Liverpool to edge closer to their rivals.
“They have some big players and just because they have changed manager does not mean they have lost their way,” he remarked. “We want to make up the ground we have lost on them and get back at them. Winning this match on Sunday can help us do that.
“I’ve not had the chance to play United yet, but from what I know about the history between the clubs, it’s even more passionate than the Milan derby.”
Daniel Sturridge has scored two goals in Liverpool’s opening two Premier League fixtures this season and Coutinho says that the striker has the hallmarks of a Brazilian player.
“Daniel is an excellent player and always makes his runs at the right time,” said the 21-year-old. “I think he’s similar to a Brazilian player because he is so quick with the ball at his feet. He has the qualities to be a Brazilian player.”