McAteer: Manchester United clash is no friendly!
Jason McAteer has insisted the famous rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United ensures the upcoming legends meeting between the two clubs won't be a 'friendly' by any means.
The Reds' second official legends match sees them go head-to-head with their old rivals at the Friends Arena in Stockholm on Thursday September 3.
The first game of a new era for the club's team of former stars saw them suffer a 4-2 defeat to their Real Madrid counterparts at a packed Santiago Bernabeu in June.
McAteer says the competitive streak present in all former professionals was evident during that clash, and he expects there to be some 'extra spice' when taking on United.
"These legends games never are friendly," the former Republic of Ireland international told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I think as footballers and top professionals, we don't ever lose that desire to win, or that desire to get one over on your opponent.
"It seems to have that extra edge with Manchester United. Against Real Madrid, the lads went out with the mentality that they wanted to win - it certainly wasn't played like a charity game, it was played like a full-on football match.
"And when you play against Manchester United there's obviously that rivalry and the history, it adds a bit of extra spice. I know they're right up for it."
McAteer was one of Liverpool's stand-out players in the Spanish capital, providing assists for both Harry Kewell and Michael Owen to put the visitors 2-0 up.
And he certainly enjoyed running out at one of the world's most iconic football arenas to raise money for a worthy cause in the form of the Real Madrid Foundation.
"It was a brilliant occasion," he enthused.
"Both clubs did fantastically well in putting the game on and obviously the biggest beneficiaries were the charities involved.
"It's great to get back with the lads and it's great to perform in front of big crowds again and at these big stadiums.
"We're really looking forward to the follow-up game against Manchester United in Sweden."
On the prospect on pulling on a Reds shirt again, McAteer added: "It's like a dream come true.
"Just to put the red shirt of Liverpool on again makes you feel very special.
"It's a privilege to do it at such an old age now of 44! Any time I get the chance to put the jersey on again, it's an absolute pleasure."
Tickets for the game are still available to purchase at www.friendsarena.se.
Alternatively, you can watch the two rivals meet on LFCTV or LFCTV GO - just click the links to find out more!