Liverpool’s Milner: I was brought up not to like Manchester United

James Milner has more reasons than most to dislike the red half of Manchester, but the Liverpool midfielder insists he cannot afford to think like a fan when the two sides meet on Sunday.

The Yorkshireman was brought up as a staunch hater of United, and now playing for the red side of Liverpool, he has even more reason to dislike Jose Mourinho’s men.

But Milner, a former City man who has become integral to Jurgen Klopp’s title chasing Liverpool side, said letting his emotions get the better of him would not be profitable on the pitch.

“I was brought up in Leeds as a Leeds fan and you’re brought up not to like the red half of Manchester, that’s the way it is,” said the 31-year-old.

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“I’m sure they feel the same about me!

“It’s just part of being a Leeds fan and then playing for the clubs I have as well, it’s similar.

“It’s important then that you don’t think like a fan when you’re on the field, obviously.

“[You show] that passion and you’re desperate to win but that’s when you can get caught up in the emotion and get sent off or lose your head.

“You fall into a player’s mentality but you still have that passion to want to go and win the game.”