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To millions of fans, England is the home of football. And in the most exciting league in the world (according to many Premier League enthusiasts), Manchester United and Liverpool are the most successful teams. They have a combined 38 league titles and eight Champions league trophies.
But right before the turn of the millennium, Liverpool were outrightly the team to have won the most significant trophies in England. Yet, between the year 2000 and 2017, Manchester United pulled level with Liverpool and are debatably the most successful club side in England.
Thus, to continue to match and surpass each other, both Manchester United and Liverpool have – over the course of 18 years – signed remarkable, game-changing playing personnel.
However, because there is always the issue of who is the best between these two legendary sides – which has resulted in an intense rivalry between the Red Devils and the Reds – it is worth comparing their greatest XIs between the years 2000 and 2017.
Formations
Manchester United FC- 4-3-3
Liverpool FC- 4-2-2-2
Goalkeepers
Manchester United – Edwin van der Sar
You would think that when Juventus sold van der Sar to Fulham, his time at the top of the game had ended. That wasn’t the case though. After four years at Craven Cottage, and after incompetent performances from Fabian Barthez, Roy Caroll, and Tim Howard, van der Sar was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson to provide the United backline with a safe pair of hands.
Tall, imposing, and with sharp reflexes, the Dutchman pulled series of gravity-defying saves to ensure Manchester United continued to remain arguably the best team in England. The highlight of his Manchester United came in the 2008 Champions League final where he was named the Man of the Match.
Rating = 8.5
Special Mention: David De Gea
Liverpool – Jerzy Dudek
The miracle of Istanbul will forever be a part of the football folklore. What many didn’t realise, however, was that the comeback would never have resulted in a trophy had it not been for Jerzy Dudek’s exceptional performance. When the game was evenly poised at 3-3, Serginho whipped in a wicked crossed to Shevchenko and Dudek pulled two terrific saves.
First, he kept out Shevchenko’s header, but the ball fell back to the Milan striker. However, with cat-like reflexes, Dudek saved from the followup shot from less than three yards out. He went on to keep out Pirlo's and Shevchenko’s penalty kicks to hand Liverpool their first Champions League trophy in 21 years (last won in 1984).
Also, he was so impressive for Liverpool in 2001 that he (along with Kahn and Buffon) earned a nomination for the 2001 UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Rating = 6.5
Special Mention: Pepe Reina.
Centrebacks
Manchester United – Rio Ferdinand
Despite Ferdinand’s defensive achievements at Leeds, no one expected Sir Alex Ferguson to shatter the then British record to sign a defender. Moreover, Ferdinand’s elegance, composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and one-v-one defending meant the £30 million United paid to sign him look like a bargain in today’s outrageous transfer market.
At his prime, there was no better reader of the game than Ferdinand in England. It was no coincidence that with him in the side, Manchester United dominated the Premier League and, later, Europe.
Rating = 8.6
Special Mention: Mikaël Silvestre
Manchester United – Nemanja Vidic
How on earth could a defender be better than Ferdinand in his prime? Yet, Vidic was better and probably the best Premier League defender ever. Strong in tackle, dominant in the air, and physically imposing, Vidic was every striker’s nightmare.
Ask many a forward to name their toughest opponent, and Vidic would almost certainly be the first name on their lips. He provided the steel to complement Ferdinand’s poise and van der Sar’s reliable hands. The result was a team too hot to handle both home and abroad.
Rating = 9.1
Special Mention = Jakob 'Jaap Stam
Liverpool – Sami Hyypiä
Liverpool were one of the sides to challenge Manchester United’s hegemony. But to accomplish this, they had the help of a veteran defender at the top of his game.
Signed from Willem II in 1999, Sami Hyypiä was the rock behind Liverpool’s success in 2001 – the club won a cup treble of Fa Cup, Football League Cup, and UEFA Cup (now Europa League). He also participated in the heroic comeback against Milan in 2005. Hyypiä was also ever-present in Liverpool's run to the 2006 Fa Cup victory.
Rating = 6.5
Special Mention: Marin Skrtel
Liverpool – Jamie Carragher
If anything, Jamie Carragher was ‘Mr Consistent’. He spent 17 years playing for Liverpool first team (after being part of their youth team for eight years). Furthermore, for more than a decade, Carragher marshalled the Liverpool defence and tasted success with the team. In fact, he was known for his ‘take-no-prisoners’ defensive style. Also, he demonstrated his versatility by sometimes deputising at right back.
Rating – 6.8
Special Mention: Stepháne Henchoz
Right-back
Manchester United – Gary Neville
Part of the famous ‘Class of 92’, Gary Neville is the best right back to ever participate in a Premier League game. Defensively, he was resolute. He never shied away from a challenge and made the right full back position his.
Neville also provided an outlet for Manchester United to attack and his trademark low crosses demonstrated his end product. Neville was so impressive that many rival managers and players believe he is an all-time great.
Lastly, Neville won everything there was to win at club level: two Champions league trophies and many league titles.
Rating – 7.9
Special Mention: Antonio Valencia
Liverpool – Glen Johnson
Acrobatic goals, long-range strikes, De Brunyne-esque left-foot drive, peachy crosses, and quick on the ground, Glen Johnson was the modern-day Cafu for Liverpool. Formerly of Chelsea and Portsmouth, Johnson turned out in Liverpool colours 200 times. His assist and goals contributed to Liverpool’s attacking brand of football – a philosophy Liverpool have exemplified ever since.
Rating – 5.7
Special Mention: Steve Finnan
Left-back
Manchester United – Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra was so dynamic on the pitch that Sir Alex felt he had no choice than to lure the Frenchman from Monaco to be a part of the Manchester United side aiming to cut José Mourinho’s Chelsea at the knees.
His athleticism made him a stalwart in that stingy Manchester United defence. During his stint at Manchester United, Evra locked horns with and bested many top wingers in the League and Europe.
Besides, Premier League titles, Champions League winners’ medal, league cups, FIFA World Club cup triumphs, etc. make Evra a priority candidate for the best Premier League left-back ever.
Rating = 8.2
Special mention: Philip John 'Phil' Neville
Liverpool – John Arne Riise
The man blessed with the hardest shot in England during his playing days. He once hit the ball so hard, he practically ended Alan Smith’s Manchester United career. Riise’s ferocious left foot made him a potent force in attack for Liverpool; 31 goals for Liverpool from the left back position is simply outstanding.
More so, after the appointment of Rafa Benitez by Liverpool, Riise took his game to a new level where he received worldwide recognition. Apart from scoring many vital goals for Liverpool, Riise was also part of the Liverpool squad which defeated Milan in Istanbul.
Rating = 7
Special mention: Fábio Aurélio Rodrigues
Midfield
Manchester United – Paul Scholes
The problem with sports media is that analysts tend to get carried away by the form of a player. If not, Jamie Redknapp wouldn’t have committed a football blasphemy by stating Kevin De Bruyne is already the best ball passer the Premier League has ever seen; he didn’t say that last season.
That title is reserved for the one and only Paul Scholes. To illustrate, Zidane (one of the greatest footballer of all time) believes Scholes’s ball passing abilities were second to none. So, when a World Cup winner and three-time Ballon d’Or recipient said Scholes was better than he was, then something must be special about Scholes.
The Englishman based his game on keeping and recycling possession. On top of that, with the breakneck speed with which the Premier League matches have always been played, it was surprising that Scholes managed to stay calm under pressure and play the correct passes. In fact, when United’s midfield were in disarray, Sir Alex Ferguson had to persuade Scholes to come out of retirement.
Also, he won so many honours which will make him go down as one of the Premier League’s most excellent footballers.
Rating = 9
Special mention: Roy Keane
Manchester United – Michael Carrick
Michael has always been the lynchpin of Manchester United’s midfield ever since his 2006 transfer from Tottenham. Carrick is a defensive midfielder who likes to anticipate opponents’ play to win the ball back.
Also, he doubles as a deep-lying playmaker, and similar to Scholes in style, he excels at it. With Carrick in the lineup, great things have happened to Manchester United. When you think of the word ‘classy’, think Michael Carrick.
Rating = 8
Special mention: David Beckham
Manchester United – Giggs
A one-club man, Giggs is the only former Premier league player whose CV is so extensive he doesn’t even need an introduction. Evidently, he was voted by fans as the league’s best ever player.
At his best, he was a direct dribbler, a sublime crosser of the ball, and one of the quickest in the league. When he lost several yards of pace, Giggs reinvented himself as a midfielder.
Giggs’s Premier League records
1. Record number of appearance for a single club (632)
2. Record number of assists
3. Record number of league titles
4. 109 goals and 162 assists
5. The only players to have played in the first 22 seasons of the Premier League.
6. He also won European honours with Manchester United.
Rating = 9.8
Special mention: Owen Hargreaves
Midfield
Liverpool – Xabi Alonso
Right until his retirement, Xabi Alonso was widely regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers of the last decade. His gameplay was all about intelligence. Alonso was so calm on the ball that his teammates didn’t have to worry about opponents robbing him of the ball in his half.
And his long-range passing (possibly the best in the Premier League era) meant Liverpool quickly transitioned from defence to attack, indicating Alonso helped Liverpool launch rapid counterattacks. His trademark shot-cum-pass out-wide to the wingers was a sight to behold and also meant Liverpool wingers had to have the best ball control in the league.
He assisted Liverpool in their quest to conquer Europe in 2005 and scored the equaliser to make it 3-3 against Milan in Istanbul.
Rating = 8.2
Special mention: Vladimir Smicer
Liverpool – Javier Mascherano
Provided the perfect foil for Alonso, Mascherano was never afraid to do the dirty work. He was tenacious, versatile, and uncompromising. Under Rafa Benitez, Mascherano was the first name on the team sheet.
There was nothing glorious about his style – his playing position has never been a glamorous one – but Mascherano was utterly efficient and undeniably combative. In short, he was a warrior for the Reds.
Rating = 8.1
Dietmar Hamann
Liverpool – Philipe Coutinho
Inter didn’t know they had a gem on their hands, so, they could not wait to get Philippe Coutinho out of the San Siro door. However, Coutinho has since grown from being a one-dimensional Internazionale youngster to become the one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in the last three years.
He has also become the highest scoring Brazilian in the Premier League. Even now, he is a favourite of the Fantasy Premier League participants.
Rating = 8
Special mention: Boudewijn Zenden
Liverpool – Steven Gerard
As a neutral, you just have to love Gerard. From that cracking right foot shot to treating football fans to vintage attacking performances, Gerard was the best-attacking midfielder in England and the second best in Europe in the last decade - Kaka takes that gong.
What also made Gerard so special was his passion, his precise short and long passing, his loyalty to the Liverpool jersey, his leadership qualities, and his unrivalled winning mentality.
Rating = 9.2
Special mention: Luis Garcia
Attack
Manchester United – Ruud van Nistelrooy
When Nistelrooy joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven, he quickly became the only Premier League striker who actually challenged Henry at his peak. Although he lacked the Arsenal man’s searing pace, Nistelrooy exemplified the term ‘fox in the box’ like no other.
His positioning, heading ability, and spot-kick accuracy struck terror at the hearts of opposing team. Scoring 94 goals in just 150 league appearances was nothing short of phenomenal.
Rating = 8.4
Special mention: Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez
Manchester United – Cristiano Ronaldo
Initially, he was a trickster who enjoyed fancy flicks and ridiculous stepovers. But after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo grew tired of hugging the touchline and started to make runs beyond the opposition defence.
Coupled with his unparalleled work ethic, Ronaldo blossomed to become one of the most complete players in England. He also scored all kinds of goal: headers, scorchers, tap-ins, etc. His performance duly earned him his first Fifa Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards.
Rating = 9.4
Special mention = Zlatan Ibrahimovi?
Manchester United – Wayne Rooney
Premier League’s best striker in the years between 2000 and 2017. He announced himself to the Premier League by being the 16-year-old who ended Arsenal’s 32-match unbeaten run (before the Invincibles eclipsed that record the following season).
Rooney is a reliable, hardworking, and quick striker who scored goals for fun. Several Premier League titles, Champions League triumph, becoming Manchester United’s and England’s record goalscorer, and being the second most prolific forward in Premier League history were few of Rooney’s achievements.
Rating 9.5
Special Mention: Robin van Persie
Attack
Liverpool – Luis Suarez
Although he had a great world cup in 2010 and scored consistently for Ajax in the Eredivisie, Liverpool were almost the only side that believed in Suarez’s talents. So he repaid that confidence by scoring a ridiculous amount of goals.
Not only that, Suarez entertained the whole of the Premier League with his many beautiful goals, improvised dribbles, and mesmerising controls. His exploits nearly landed him a Premier League title, but his Liverpool side fell a little short.
Rating = 9.2
Special mention: Michael Owen
Liverpool – Fernando Torres
Torres arrived on the English shores and etched his name into the memory of the Liverpool faithful. He was a handful for defences. Torres always brimmed with confidence (almost arrogance) which reflected in the way he dared defenders to take the ball off him.
Even when defenders would try to block his favoured foot, he would cut to the left and unleash punch-packing shots. And the fact that he was adept with his feet meant he could get himself out of tight spaces, making him a nightmare for defenders (something Vidic knew all too well).
Rating = 8.8
Special mention: Dirk Kuyt
Verdict
Winner - Manchester United
The breakdown
Goalkeeping
It is van der Sar all the way. At his peak, only Peter Schmeichel, David Season, and Peter Cech could hold their own against van der Sar in the goalkeeping department. Dudek was a couple of steps below the Dutchman.
Winner – Manchester United
Defence
Owen, Heskey, Salah, Gerard, Coutinho, McManaman etc., show that Liverpool were and have always been well-stocked in attack; however, it was their backline that relegated them to the position of also-rans (a spot currently occupied by Spurs and Arsenal).
In contrast, it was Manchester United’s well-drilled defence which gave the team the platform to confidently attack opponents. Hyppia was not the best, and many now see Carragher as a legend because no one wants to draw the ire of an influential pundit.
But trusting him to hold the defence together was one of the reasons Liverpool didn’t win titles near enough. Furthermore, Liverpool were short of quality at right-back, leaving Finnan and Carragher as the only other candidates to challenge a defensively unreliable Glen Johnson for the slot of the most exceptional Liverpool right-back.
Winner – Manchester United; it is a no contest.
Midfield
For the past 17 years, no midfield trio were an upgrade on Gerrard, Mascherano, and Alonso. Even now, Coutinho is in a class of his own. However, the level of consistency displayed and the sheer number of accolades make Manchester United just edge the midfield battle.
Winner – Manchester United
Attack
Although Torres and Suarez didn’t stay long, they were just too talented to ignore, even if they didn’t win the same number of trophies as their counterparts. Their ability made Liverpool fearsome in attack.
Rooney and Ronaldo will always be in the Premier League and Champions League history books. Also, their figures consolidate that argument.
Winner – none. It is a draw.
The combined Manchester United Liverpool greatest XI
van der Sar – Manchester United
Neville – Manchester United
Ferdinand – Manchester United
Vidic – Manchester United
Evra – Manchester United
Scholes – Manchester United
Gerrard – Liverpool
Giggs – Manchester United
Suarez – Liverpool
Rooney – Manchester United
Ronaldo – Manchester United
