Steven Gerrard reveals the two Manchester United players he hated the most

What's the story?

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is well known. One of the most anticipated clashes in the Premier League, the match is always packed with excitement, action and passion.

For a large part of the Premier League era, the onus of getting a positive result for Liverpool rested on Gerrard's shoulders. While Manchester United were undeniably more successful during this period, the Merseyside giants always seemed to pull up their socks for this occasion and there have been a number of memorable clashes over the years.

It is obvious then that there will be a serious rivalry between the players and now Liverpool's legendary captain, Steven Gerrard has revealed the two Manchester United players he hated the most. Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Gerrard said:

"When you're lining up in the tunnel against Rio and Gary Neville you want to do everything in your power to beat them, there’s hatred there, that’s exactly how it is,

"When you meet up for England at that time, you pretend you like them, but your career finishes, their career finishes and your friendship starts for real.

Gerrard also spoke about how much he respects Rio Ferdinand despite the fact that they were rivals.

"I've got nothing but respect for Rio as a player, he played for a top club all his life, he's a good fella as well. I’m enjoying the role at BT with him as well."

In case you didn't know...

Gerrard and Neville never held back when they faced each other

There have been some major flashpoints in the Manchester United-Liverpool rivalry with Gerrard himself being sent off twice in this historic fixture. What made the rivalry even more special for Gerrard and Neville was the fact that both of them were local lads and they genuinely wanted to get the better of each other whenever they stepped out on the pitch.

The heart of the matter

Steven Gerrard was Mr.Liverpool and to hear his views on the great rivalry is a refreshing thought. The Liverpool captain's quotes also show that while the players might be united while playing for England, the club rivalries are not forgotten so easily and there is a real desire to get the better of their rivals on every matchday.

Video

This video gives us a glimpse of the historic Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry also known as the North-West derby.

Author's take

After Gerrard's retirement, it is nice to see the once bitter rivals bind together during punditry. Gerrard and Rio are pundits together for BT Sports while Carragher's and Neville's segment on Sky Sports is arguably the most entertaining analysis piece to watch.

Players of the likes of Gerrard, Neville and Rio are all incredible fighters who gave it their all on the pitch and while the players might not have been the best of friends during their playing days, there is nothing but genuine respect between the Premier League legends.