Manchester United Holds their Hatred to Kill Liverpool’s Dreams
Liverpool, the current leaders of the English Premier League, will visit their old rivals, Manchester United, at Old Trafford stadium. This match is often referred to as the ‘England Clásico’ by some, while others call it the ‘Northern Derby’. While many observers focus on the historical animosity that gives this match a special character, stemming from the tense relationship between the fans of the two teams, which often leads to extreme hatred and hostility.
The origin of the intense rivalry and hatred between the two historic clubs dates back to the original rivalry between the two cities from which the teams emerged. In the nineteenth century, Liverpool flourished due to its renowned seaport, while Manchester, just 30 miles away, thrived industrially, particularly in the cotton industry. Manchester attracted raw materials to fuel its industries through Liverpool, which had a thriving port in close proximity.
As a result, the people of Manchester decided to construct a water canal for commercial ships to dock in the city instead of using the port of Liverpool. In 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal was opened, diverting ship traffic away from Liverpool. This caused economic losses to Liverpool and led to an increase in poverty and unemployment rates. This event marked the beginning of a state of historical hostility between the two cities.
This economic rivalry extended to football, where Manchester United and Liverpool began competing for the top spot in English and European football. The 1960s were marked by intense competition between the two clubs. Manchester United, known as the ‘Red Devils,’ won the European Cup in 1968. In response, Liverpool, known as the ‘Reds’ (in reference to the color of their uniform), asserted their dominance from the early 1970s to the early 1990s, winning 11 league titles and 4 European Cups.
However, in the early 1990s, Manchester United regained their dominance under the leadership of Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson guided the team to numerous major titles, and their success extended to the continental stage, establishing them as one of the best teams in the world.
Currently, fans of both teams refer to each other as ‘the enemy,’ each trying to prove that their team is the greatest in the history of English football. In terms of titles, Manchester United has won 20 league titles, while Liverpool, known as the ‘Reds,’ has won 18 titles, making them the most decorated clubs in English football history.
However, recent years have seen a decline in Manchester United’s performance, with the team becoming less competitive. Despite efforts by several coaches, they have failed to replicate the success they had under Sir Alex Ferguson. In contrast, German coach Jurgen Klopp has been able to elevate Liverpool’s performance. After a long absence from the top, Klopp led Liverpool to win the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. This success has placed Liverpool at the top of the premier league standings currently. The question now is whether the silver cup adorned with the golden crown will return to Anfield Road before Klopp bids farewell to his beloved stadium, or if Manchester United’s rivalry will thwart the dreams of their eternal enemy.
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