There is arguably no bigger rivalry in English football than that between Manchester United and Liverpool (United 8/11, draw 5/2, Liverpool 4/1).
The two goliaths go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Paul Scholes expressing his belief that the animosity between the two clubs will never die. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has extended the hand of friendship to the Merseyside club following Rafael Benitez’s departure from Anfield.
Scholes (11/1 for first goalscorer) has admitted the intense hatred between fans of the two clubs will ensure that the intensity of this fixture will always be preserved. Even when fortunes of the two sides were contrasting, that rivalry was still present.
Liverpool’s last title came 21 seasons ago whilst United had a barren spell which lasted 26 years when Liverpool were at their peak. However, despite these circumstances, the animosity endured and Scholes does not see this changing.
“You can’t get away from the fact that both teams don’t really like each other,” said the United midfielder ahead of the clash.
“We are both desperate to win and I don’t think that will ever change.”
The United boss has already described this game as ‘the’ Premier League fixture but has offered the hand of friendship to opposite number Roy Hodgson.
Generally, the relationship between the United and Liverpool managers has been cordial but this changed under Benitez, who became increasingly obsessed with Ferguson. The Spaniard claimed that the United boss was treated with kid gloves and that he escaped censure from the authorities.
Ferguson has generally not risen to the bait, the only significant war of words coming over a ‘game over’ signal during a clash against Blackburn. Speaking about his rivalry with Benitez,
Ferguson stressed: “I have never been personal. You have to examine him, not me.
“I have always enjoyed a good relationship with Liverpool managers. Both clubs have always addressed the situation properly after the games.
“That changed under the last regime. It is not a big issue for me.”
Building a more cordial relationship with Liverpool will be easier now that Roy Hodgson has assumed the hot-seat at Anfield. The two managers were friendly before the move and Ferguson has expressed his deep admiration for Hodgson due to his managerial record.
Last season, he guided former club Fulham to the Europa League final, a feat that Ferguson has described as ‘absolutely extraordinary’. He also cited his ‘wealth of experience’ in Switzerland, Finland and Italy as worthy of praise.
Ferguson still believes that the clash between United and Liverpool is the biggest of the season, even though Liverpool have rarely been title contenders in recent years. Despite this, the Merseyside outfit have inflicted some memorable defeats on the Red Devils, United’s win in March breaking a three-match losing streak against Liverpool.
United go into this match on the back of two disappointing results – a 3-3 draw against Everton in the Premier League last Saturday and a 0-0 Champions League draw against Rangers. United are already four points behind table-toppers Chelsea in the Premier League title race and will be hoping for three points from their fierce rivals on Sunday.
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