Why are Liverpool and Manchester United rivals?

Liverpool and Manchester United are two of England’s most successful clubs. The Northwest derby, as their encounter is called, never fails to pique the interest of football fans all around the world.

Liverpool has 18 Premier League titles, eight League Cups, and, seven FA Cups, whereas Manchester United has 19 Premier League titles, four League Cups, and 11 FA Cups. Together they share 67 titles. That shows the level of competition witnessed when these two sides clash.

However, it’s not just football that has sparked a fierce rivalry between the two cities. There is a long-standing cultural and economic rivalry that goes much beyond the 90 minutes of football action. The rivalry spans since the Industry Revolution.

Cultural and economic rivalry

Back in 1894, outraged by the Port of Liverpool’s hefty import fees, Manchester entrepreneurs developed the Manchester Ship Canal 1894 to carry raw materials to their cotton mills. This way, they challenged Liverpool’s dominance as the world’s most important port. This is when Manchester pushed forward to emerge as the epicentre of the global textile industry.

On the cultural front, the Beatles’ arrival in the 1960s breathed new life into Liverpool, bringing it back into the spotlight. On the other hand, Manchester was proud of Joy Division, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, New Order, and Oasis.

Enter football into the rivalry mix

In the 1970s and 1980s, Liverpool dominated English football, eclipsing Manchester United. In 17 years, their ruthless domination yielded 19 major domestic prizes, and catching them seemed impossible.

That was until Sir Alex Ferguson arrived. The legendary United manager was adamant about surpassing Liverpool.

Manchester United won 21 major domestic titles in 18 years over the 1990s and 2000s, culminating in their 19th league victory in 2010-11, ensuring that they eclipsed Liverpool as the history’s most successful domestic football club.

Man United vs Liverpool: The rivalry only gets bigger

Manchester United supporters continue to be envious of Liverpool’s superior European record. Liverpool supporters are well aware of this. It’s no surprise that their antagonism is still as fierce as it was hundreds of years ago.

The background information sets the scenario and explains why both sets of supporters take football so seriously.