Former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt wants another 'great memory' against Manchester United

Ex-Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt wants to add another great Manchester United moment when he captains Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday, saying their opposition are "under enormous pressure".

Kuyt has fond memories of playing United having famously secured his place as a fan favourite among the Anfield crowd with a hat-trick against them in a 3-1 win in March 2011. 

United will begin their first ever Europa League group campaign when they face Dutch side Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Thursday, and captain Kuyt is looking to recreate fond experiences of playing his old Premier League rivals.

"I played there for six years and for me it was one of the biggest games of the season so now to play again against Manchester United is great," Kuyt said.

"It's a great chance, not only for me but for Feyenoord, for the team, we have a young team.

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"It's good experience for them and a great game to play, so we're really looking forward to it.

"I have great memories of playing against United. We won a couple of games, I scored a hat-trick at Anfield, but I also remember a couple of games at Old Trafford, playing with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

"I can remember a late goal of mine in the FA Cup, so great memories and hopefully tomorrow will be another great day to remember." 

Jose Mourinho admitted in his press conference he would rather United were not in the Europa League, saying Champions League football is the objective. 

The Portuguese boss has been brought to Old Trafford in order to return the club to title challengers, and Kuyt - whose Feyenoord side have won all of their five Eredivisie matches this season - believes United are already carrying a weight of expectation on their shoulders.

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"I think they are under enormous pressure, because everyone wants them to win the league," he said.

"Everyone can see what it did to the team when they lost to City at the weekend, already there is more pressure on the team, although the teams in the Premier League have difficulties in challenging the teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

"For me, the Premier League is still the toughest league in the world, so it's great to watch.

"Of course I try to watch Liverpool every week, and all of the teams, and for me Manchester United is a contender to win the league this season, but there are a few more." 

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