The Beatles or The Stone Roses? Albert Dock or the Shambles? Brookside or Shameless? Scouse or Manc? There’s plenty to differentiate two of England’s biggest and most historic cities, aside from the well documented sporting rivalry.
Liverpool and Man United will face each other in European competition for the first time this week. Quite an astounding fact considering the success of both clubs over the years, but one that is nevertheless true.
The fact that it is taking place in the Europa League, Europe’s secondary club competition, is equally astounding given the success of both sides over the years – a combined eight European Cup/Champions Leagues between them. However, it shouldn’t detract from the magnitude of the fixture.
With an inter-city rivalry that dates back to the Victorian age, the social, cultural and political differences may have dimmed over the years but the sporting side of things shows no sign of abating. Both cities are giants of the North West of England, their differences arguably coming from their similarities, and the two largest football teams from each (sorry Everton and Man City fans) are no different.
Both have enjoyed success in Europe’s premier competition, as noted, although only the Merseyside club can claim any victories in (what was) the UEFA Cup, adding three triumphs in that competition on top of the five EC/CL victories.
But ask anyone under the age of 30 who has the best European credentials and they would likely say United. Under Ferguson they were ever-presents in the Champions League, their heroics in ’99 particularly memorable, not to mention three final appearances in four years at the end of the ’00s.
Liverpool had their famous comeback against AC Milan in 2005 of course, as well as a loss to the same side two years later, plus a UEFA Cup win in 2001, too, but in general they have operated in United’s shadow in European competition since their peak in the ’70s and ’80s. United faired better in the ’60s though, so it’s probably about even.
Fast-forward to the present day, however, and both sides have struggled to recreate their glory years in recent seasons. United have been in steady decline both domestically and in Europe since, whilst Liverpool have only appeared in the top European competition once since 2010, and even then they failed to get out of the group. Their struggles at home and abroad have been equally disheartening for their fans.
Thursday’s clash will therefore help one club re-assert itself over the other and regain bragging rights, in the short-term at least. Neither club will be happy at their appearance in the Europa League, however, despite what LVG might say. A return to a seat at Europe’s top-table is the ultimate aim for both clubs and the competition will offer them the chance of Champions League qualification should they win it, but perhaps ‘living in the past’ is their best option for now.
That shouldn’t mean either side takes this tie lightly, however. Given the historical rivalry between the pair, and bearing in mind their decline in recent seasons, neither side may be where they ‘should’ be right now, but this tie has extra relevance given the opponent. The excitement generated from facing your most bitter rival, regardless of competition, is huge and both sets of fans will be as up for this one as they have been for any other Liverpool/United clash over the years.
Regardless of what either club has won in the past, the here and now is exactly that – where they stand currently, and must be treated accordingly. There is no doubt that the atmosphere at both grounds for both ties will be pulsating and is just another chapter in the historic rivalry between the pair, indeed a rivalry for the ages.
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