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Revision as of 12:31, 16 May 2007 by Dr Sachs (talk | contribs) (→Taunts and Clashes)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Liverpool FC - Manchester United fixture also known as The Derby of England in English football is one of the most significant sports rivalries in the world. Both clubs hail from the north-west and are geographically very close, also the two are the most successful teams in England, winning 107 trophies between themselves. The fixture is played at midday due to both media (TV) interest and to discourage fans from drinking before the game.
Roots
Inter-City Rivalry
The rivalry can be considered as a manifestation of one which already had existed between the two cities since industrial times. During this time both were competing with each other for supremacy of the north-west, with Manchester famous for it's manufacturing prowess while Liverpool was famous for the importance its port. During the time since this the two cities had been in decline but have been asscending rapidly over recent years. Recently, Manchester won the 2002 Commonwealth Games, while Liverpool has been awarded the title of 2008 Capital of Culture.
Football Rivalry
Both clubs claim the title of 'the Greatest English Football Club', with Liverpool winning a total of 58 major trophies, while Manchester United have 49. Liverpool dominated English football during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the European Cup 4 times during this time. While Manchester United have been the most successful English team of the 1990s and early 2000s, even winning a previously unseen treble (of the European Cup, the Premiership and the FA Cup) in 1999. As well as competing on the football pitch, both teams are also two of the biggest-earning clubs in the world, based on revenue. The two are also the among the largest supported clubs in England and internationally.
Taunts and Clashes
Due to the fact that the two sets of fans is that they are situated only about 30 miles apart, fans of Manchester United and Liverpool often have fracas before and after a game is played between them.
The two clubs also berate each other with slogans and banners, Liverpool supporters once issued a banner at the League Cup Final in 2003 between Liverpool and Man United (a 2-0 win for Liverpool) stating 'Don't bomb Iraq, nuke Manchester!', while the Manchester faithful proclaim that Liverpudlians are scum of the earth and thieves who would steal from their granny if necessary. Manchester United fans have been known to sing songs about the Hillsborough Disaster, while Liverpool fans sing about the Munich Air Crash.
Player Transfers
The rivalry between the two clubs has become so intense that since the 1964 transfer of Phil Chisnall from United to Liverpool, no player has been transferred since. Although some players have played for both clubs, having played elsewhere between each tenure, such as Paul Ince.
Statistics
Out of 148 fixtures contested Head to Head:
UNITED WINS 56
DRAWS 43
LIVERPOOL WINS' 49
Out of major trophies won:
Liverpool- 18 league titles, 5 European Cups, 7 FA Cups
Manchester United- 16 league titles, 2 European Cups, 11 FA Cups