By Richard Murphy Edited by Mike Fallas
On Sunday the 22nd of March, fans will witness the two heavyweights of the English game clash for what will be the 192nd time. Liverpool and Manchester United are the most successful clubs in England and their rivalry is legendary. Every supporter on both sides are brought up from an early age, knowing of the intense rivalry and the hatred (in a sporting sense) they feel for each other.
Between the two teams, they have won 121 honours, with 80 of those being major trophies, including 38 league titles (United having the upper hand with 20 in total). No other teams in England can even closely compare to the history that both teams have. Not only do they share a rich history of silverware, but they have also both endured truly terrible tragedies (the Munich air disaster for United. Heysel and Hillsborough for Liverpool). These horrific events have only gone on to make each team stronger.
During their history, both clubs have dominated English football for long periods. Liverpool during the 70's & 80's, and Manchester United from the mid 90's, up until the last few years. During each teams dominance the opposing team has struggled to keep up but the rivalry and never diminishes. They are still the first matches that every supporter looks for when the fixtures are announced at the beginning of the season, both home and away.
For the first time in a long time, both clubs are aiming at the same target of a top 4 finish in the league. Manchester United lays in that all important 4th position, and currently hold a one point advantage over Liverpool. Obviously a win for either team will be celebrated vehemently by the supporters as it always is, but it will also give the victors a massive boost in the race for Champions League qualification. It is possible that both teams will get into the top 4 but the momentum lost, could well cost the defeated team.
On Sunday the 22nd of March, fans will witness the two heavyweights of the English game clash for what will be the 192nd time. Liverpool and Manchester United are the most successful clubs in England and their rivalry is legendary. Every supporter on both sides are brought up from an early age, knowing of the intense rivalry and the hatred (in a sporting sense) they feel for each other.
Between the two teams, they have won 121 honours, with 80 of those being major trophies, including 38 league titles (United having the upper hand with 20 in total). No other teams in England can even closely compare to the history that both teams have. Not only do they share a rich history of silverware, but they have also both endured truly terrible tragedies (the Munich air disaster for United. Heysel and Hillsborough for Liverpool). These horrific events have only gone on to make each team stronger.
During their history, both clubs have dominated English football for long periods. Liverpool during the 70's & 80's, and Manchester United from the mid 90's, up until the last few years. During each teams dominance the opposing team has struggled to keep up but the rivalry and never diminishes. They are still the first matches that every supporter looks for when the fixtures are announced at the beginning of the season, both home and away.
For the first time in a long time, both clubs are aiming at the same target of a top 4 finish in the league. Manchester United lays in that all important 4th position, and currently hold a one point advantage over Liverpool. Obviously a win for either team will be celebrated vehemently by the supporters as it always is, but it will also give the victors a massive boost in the race for Champions League qualification. It is possible that both teams will get into the top 4 but the momentum lost, could well cost the defeated team.