"It's only down the motorway, there's great tradition and rivalry between the two clubs and I think it's getting enhanced year by year. The media make a big deal about it, the players feel that, the fans feel that.
"It's going to be a great atmosphere and one we're looking forward to."
On the last time United played the tie away.
"Me and Sheasy [John O'Shea] got pelted with obscenities and coins and stuff [in the stands] but it was a great atmosphere, it was brilliant to be a fan watching but I'd much rather be out there playing and getting the three points on the pitch," he added.
"Different grounds throw up different things. Sometimes what happens on the pitch determines the hostility in the stadium but Anfield's a good place to go - their fans are very vocal, but you could say that about every other club in the league to be honest."