Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of the bitterest clashes in the Premier League.
The tension between the sides will be slightly less this season as Liverpool look miles off competing for the title this season.
Rivals
The cities of Manchester and Liverpool have a long historical rivalry date’s back to before football.
However the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is more recent. The reason for the recent rivalry is United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson for a good part of two decades.
This success has resulted in Fergie’s side equalling Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles. With success comes contempt. In the eighties Liverpool didn’t have much of a rivalry with the Red Devils because they were never a real threat but under Fergie they are winning trophies and have become one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Liverpool however in Fergie’s time at Old Trafford has not won the league title. This lack of domestic success has brought Liverpool fans to become very bitter and jealous towards their north-west rivals.
Mess
Liverpool are a very different club to the club who won every trophy during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Liverpool was the major force of English football in those decades. Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson has experienced the same level of success that the Reds experiences for three decades.
Liverpool are in a real mess and until they get rid of their American owners they will not get anywhere near the Premier League title.
Spirit
Liverpool always seems to raise their game for the big occasions especially against United. They will fight tooth and nail to get something in Sunday’s clash.
They have been inconsistent so far this season but you can guarantee they will put more effort in for one of the biggest games of the domestic season. The likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are proud Scousers and will be going all out for victory.
Rooney-Factor
The revelations over Wayne Rooney’s personal life will add even more tension and banter to the whole occasion. With Rooney being an ex-Everton player I’m sure he will get merciless abuse from the large group of away fans that Liverpool will be taking to Old Trafford.
This could be the worst thing that Liverpool fans could do. Rooney is notorious for having a temper but he also thrives on being abused. It seems to motivate him even more (apart from against Everton).
Big
Liverpool have a derby with Everton but don’t seem to think of it as important as the clash with United. Manchester United however now takes their derby with Manchester City seriously because City are suddenly challengers and could threaten their place at the top of the English football tree. I think this game definitely now means more to Liverpool than their Manchester counterparts.
Bounce-Back
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from losing a 3-1 lead at Everton last Saturday to draw 3-3 with a victory over their Merseyside rivals. Liverpool are struggling to find consistency but form will go out the window in this clash.
I can’t see Liverpool going to Old Trafford and claiming all three points but they could have enough to come away with a draw.
Is Manchester United vs Liverpool the bitterest clash in the Premier League?
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