History of the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United
Let's explore the history of the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United.
It is considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in world football along with the Old Firm derby in Scotland and the Superclásico in Argentina.
Gary Neville is a player that often symbolised the rivalry between the two clubs.
This means more!
Fans and players of both clubs have often argued that this rivalry means more than each local rivalry.
People have often said hat the rivalry has been fuelled by the proximity of the two major cities that they represent, their historic economic and industrial rivalry, significant periods of domestic footballing dominance and European success, and their popularity at home and abroad, as two of the biggest-earning and widely supported football clubs in the world.
Each club can also claim a level of historical supremacy. They are the most successful English teams in domestic, European and worldwide competitions. Between them they have won 39 league titles, 21 FA Cups, 15 League Cups, 36 FA Community Shields, nine European Cups, four UEFA Cups, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, five UEFA Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup and two FIFA Club World Cups.
They have played in several finals throughout the years. Who remembers the 1996 FA Cup final that featured a late winner from Eric Cantona?
Very few players have represented both clubs.
Since the 1964 transfer of Phil Chisnall from United to Liverpool, no player has been transferred directly between the two clubs.
Some players, however, have played for both clubs, but played elsewhere between each tenure, such as Paul Ince (playing for Inter Milan in between) and Peter Beardsley (Vancouver Whitecaps and Newcastle United) and more recently Michael Owen (Real Madrid and Newcastle United), although Beardsley only played once for United, but went on to be a key player during his four years at Liverpool.
Paul Ince who was mentioned above was probably one of the most controversial. He was a key player in United's early success under Sir Alex Ferguson but was sold to Inter Milan in 1995. He moved to Anfield two years later.
What do the fans think?
Liam, a Manchester United fan, said: "For me, this is the biggest game of the season. We are the two most successful clubs in England, and the passion on display is always amazing."
Amy, a Liverpool fan, added: "We hate them. They hate us. This means more for both teams."
