The footballing rivalry between 2 of the greatest clubs in England – Manchester United and Liverpool – is so fierce that it is known all over the world as one of best in the world along with the Super Clasico in South America (River Plate and Boca Juniors), Derby Della Madonnina (AC Milan and Inter Milan) in Italy and the El Clasico in Spain (Real Madrid and Barcelona). Though the dip in fortunes of both clubs in recent times relegated the marquee clash from a potential title decider it used to be, it still remains the ‘red letter’ clash everyone looks out for when the schedule of the English Premier League is released.
The rivalry between the clubs was fuelled by the development of both Manchester and Liverpool as industrial hubs in the North West of England – a competitive spirit that transcended into the footballing scene as both Liverpool and Manchester United dominated the English league at different points. The trophies won by these two giants are unparalleled. If United have won the English Premier League a record 20 times as opposed to Liverpool’s 18, the Reds lead the count when it comes to European Cups / Champions League with 5 triumphs while United conquered Europe thrice.
The fans of both clubs consider the other team their greatest rival in spite of having local rivals in Everton and Manchester City. The thought of a United player directly moving to Liverpool is inconceivable for a United fan – likewise vice-versa. The rivalry is that fierce. In fact, the last time a player directly moved between the two clubs was in 1964 when Phil Chisnall moved to Liverpool from United for a fee of £25,000. Though there have been players like Paul Ince or Michael Owen who have played for both clubs, the decision to play for the rivals was made after they had moved to another club in between. But in 2007, there was a bid from Liverpool to sign Gabriel Heinze from United, but United refused to allow it and sold him to Real Madrid despite the player wanting to move to Merseyside.
It is no wonder that the clashes between the two teams have been heavy duty ones full of drama and emotion. Incidents of hooliganism were also prevalent in the previous decade. Though United have dominated the recent battles between the two, Liverpool gained a measure of revenge after downing the Red Devils in the Europa League quarter-finals last season – the first time the 2 rivals faced off in Europe.
At present, the clash is sure to attract a lot of attention from all over the world apart from the huge fan base the two clubs enjoy as two charismatic managers go up against each other in Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho.
Head-Head Stats: (All competitions)
| Competition | Manchester United Wins | Draws | Liverpool Wins |
| Domestic League | 67 | 44 | 55 |
| FA Cup | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Europa League | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| League Cup | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Other | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Total | 80 | 52 | 65 |
