The Manchester United vs Liverpool FC rivalry is considered by most to be the biggest rivalries in British football — let alone in England.The first fixture every Manchester United fan looks for when the schedules are released is Liverpool, followed by Manchester City.
It’s a derby steeped in history with the first fixture occurring October 12, 1895. Liverpool ran 7-1 victors at Anfield that day. Manchester United were still playing under the Newton Heath LYR name at this point.
Since that day there have been 226 games in all competitions with United winning 87, drawing 64 times, and losing 75.
Rivalry Steeped in History
Widely considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in football alongside the Old firm derby, El Clásico and Derby della Madonnina. It eclipses the more traditional intercity games against Everton and Manchester City,
The rivalry is steeped into the core of both cities and stems from the emergence of both as industrial and economic powerhouses in the Industrial Revolution.
As time has gone on, the rivalry has also moved onto the music scene. Both cities claim to be the producers of the best music with the Beatles in Liverpool and Oasis in Manchester.
Footballing Rivarly
Manchester United and Liverpool are the most successful English clubs in history with United recently taking the top spot.
Between them, they are responsible for 38 league titles, 8 European Cups, 4 UEFA Cups, 4 UEFA Super cups, 19 FA Cups, 13 League Cups, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 36 FA Community Shields.
Upon becoming United manager in 1986 Sir Alex Ferguson famously said:
"“My greatest challenge is not what’s happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch. And you can print that.”"
It’s fair to say he certainly managed this. While Liverpool are still looking for their first Premier League Championship they have won the old First division 18 times to United’s 7.
However, since their last league title united have gone on to win the Premier league a record 13 times taking their overall top league titles to 20, eclipsing Liverpools 18.
When presented with this fact most Liverpool fans hit back with their 5 European Cups compared to United’s 3. However, they have only one once since the inception of the Champions League with their famous come back against AC Milan in 2005.
Both sets of fans argue if this comeback by was more impressive than United’s in the 1999 final in Barcelona.
Next Meeting
These two giants of English football next meet in the Premier League this Saturday at Anfield. Liverpool currently sit in 7th place with United joint first with City. This is one of our season-defining games.
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Both teams have star players set to miss the game in Sadio Mane and Paul Pogba. United have the better form going into the International break, but that counts for very little when it comes to derbies.
However, Manchester United have to the slight favourites even though they are away from home.
Lifelong United fan and Legend Gary Neville says “I was never excited about going to Anfield. There was always too much at stake. You only got excited when you won there.”
Next: Gary Neville: Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool is toughest game yet
One thing is for certain whichever 11 take the field there is no doubting their commitment and expect to see some heavy challenges flying around!