Liverpool: Daniel Sturridge relishing Philippe Coutinho role ahead of Manchester United clash

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says it is a pleasure to play alongside in-form Philippe Coutinho ahead of the crucial game against Manchester United on 22 March.

The Brazilian playmaker has scored two goals in his last four games and has become one of the catalysts of the Reds during their impressive 13-match unbeaten run.

Sturridge, who has missed much of the season due to injury, is eager to replicate his fine form from last season, when he had a partnership with Luis Suarez, with Coutinho ahead of the key game against United.

"He's great to play with. He's very skilful, sees a pass and scores very nice goals, also, so it's a pleasure to play with him. He's quite chilled, he's not too loud. He has a little bit of a joke, but he's just a relaxed, calm guy. He comes in and does his work and is humble, just like everyone else is," Sturridge said.

"I think it's down to him to work as hard as he possibly can to get to where he wants to be - and I am sure he wants to aim for the stars. That's very possible with the attributes he has, so as long as he continues doing what he's doing, I'm sure he'll go a long way in the game."

Sturridge hopes his partnership with Coutinho will help Liverpool beat United in a crucial game that could make all the difference in the battle for the top four, with the Reds currently two points behind manager Louis van Gaal's United side.

And having secured 10 victories and three draws since their 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford in December 2014, Sturridge says the Reds will try to keep their momentum without approaching the game in a special way.

"That's how I look at it, the same way as [Simon Mignolet] looks at it - it's another three points. Of course, it's a rivalry, but it's another three points and we'll just approach the game as we always do - that's the most important thing," he said.

"It's going to be a big game for us. We're going into the game looking to win it, as we always do, and we're looking forward to it. We'll go into this game with the right mentality, we'll look to play our football and to try to go out there and win the game.

"That's the most important thing - to play our football. If we do that then hopefully everything will take care of itself."