The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is arguably one of the greatest in football history.
With a history that stretches back over a century, the two clubs have battled it out for supremacy in the English game on numerous occasions.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the historic rivalry between these two giants of the Premier League.
Here is a table of significant events in the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool F.C in a timeline
Year | Event |
1894 | First meeting: Liverpool defeats Newton Heath (Manchester United's predecessor) 2-0 in a test match. |
1920 | Manchester United and Liverpool face each other in the top division for the first time. |
1964 | Liverpool wins the league title under Bill Shankly, marking a period of success for the club |
1967 | Matt Busby leads Manchester United to victory over Liverpool, securing the league title. |
1977 | Liverpool wins the European Cup, beginning a period of European dominance. |
1983 | Liverpool defeats Manchester United in the League Cup final. |
1990 | Liverpool wins their 18th league title; Manchester United lingers behind with 7 titles. |
1999 | Manchester United wins the treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League). |
2003 | Manchester United overtakes Liverpool in league titles with their 15th win. |
2009 | Liverpool beats Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford, their biggest away win since 1936 |
2011 | Manchester United wins their 19th league title, surpassing Liverpool's record. |
2014 | Liverpool finishes second in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on their first title since 1990. |
2016 | Liverpool knocks Manchester United out of the UEFA Europa League in the Round of 16. |
2019 | Liverpool wins the UEFA Champions League, their sixth European Cup. |
2020 | Liverpool wins their first Premier League title and their first top division title in 30 years. |
2021 | Manchester United finishes second in the Premier League, 5 points ahead of third-placed Liverpool. |
This Man Utd vs Liverpool timeline explains the key event that occurred betweeen the two rival clubs.
The Origins of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool can be traced back to the early days of football in England. Both clubs were founded in the late 19th century, with Liverpool FC being established in 1892 and Manchester United in 1902.
In the early years of their existence, the two clubs played each other regularly in local and regional competitions, building up a healthy rivalry in the process.
However, it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool truly came to the fore. During this period, both clubs were enjoying considerable success on the pitch.
With Liverpool dominating the English game under the management of Bill Shankly, while Manchester United was becoming a force to be reckoned with under the guidance of Sir Matt Busby.
The two clubs clashed regularly during this era, with some of the games between them becoming legendary.
One of the most famous encounters took place in 1968 when Manchester United and Liverpool met in the European Cup semi-final.
The tie was finely poised at 1-1 after the first leg at Anfield, but in the return leg at Old Trafford, Manchester United produced a stunning performance to win 3-1 and progress to the final.
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The Heysel and Hillsborough Tragedies - A Time for Support
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool has not always been a friendly one.
In 1985, tragedy struck when Liverpool fans were involved in a riot at the European Cup final in Heysel, Belgium, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people.
As a result of this incident, English clubs were banned from European competition for five years, which meant that both Manchester United and Liverpool could not compete on the continent during this period.
Another tragedy occurred four years later when 96 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush at Hillsborough Stadium during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
This event had a profound impact on both clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester United coming together to support each other during a difficult time for English football.
The Premier League Era
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool has continued to simmer throughout the Premier League era.
Both clubs have enjoyed considerable success during this period, with Manchester United winning 13 Premier League titles and Liverpool claiming 4.
The games between these two clubs are always highly anticipated, with the rivalry often spilling onto the pitch.
One of the most memorable encounters of recent years took place in March 2018, when Manchester United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford.
The victory denied Liverpool the chance to move into second place in the table and added another chapter to the long and storied history of this great rivalry.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the oldest and most intense in the history of football.
With a history that stretches back over a century, the two clubs have battled it out countless times, producing some of the most memorable matches in English football history.
While the rivalry has not always been a friendly one, there is no denying the respect that both sets of fans have for each other.
Whether it's on the pitch or in the stands, the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is a testament to the passion and dedication of football fans around the world.
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