The North West Derby

Lore & Background

The rivalry has been fuelled by the proximity of the two major cities that they represent, their historic economic and industrial rivalry, significant periods of domestic footballing dominance and European success, and their popularity at home and abroad. The two clubs are the most successful in the history of English football; between them they have won 40 league titles, 21 FA Cups, 16 League Cups, 37 FA Community Shields, nine European Cups/UEFA Champions Leagues, four UEFA Cups, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, five UEFA Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup and two FIFA Club World Cups. As of 3 May 2026, Liverpool lead in terms of number of trophies won with 69 to United's 68, while United lead in the head-to-head record with 85 wins to Liverpool's 72; the remaining 61 matches have finished as draws. Neither club has been relegated from the Premier League.

Reader's Guide

The cities of Liverpool and Manchester are located in the north west of England, 35 mi apart. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, funded by Manchester merchants, was opposed by Liverpool politicians and bred resentment. Tensions between working-class Liverpool dockers and labourers in Manchester was heightened after its completion in 1894, just three months before the first meeting between Liverpool and Newton Heath (as United were called at the time) in a play-off match that would see Newton Heath relegated to the Second Division.

Liverpool F.C. was formed in 1892 following a disagreement between the board of Everton and club president John Houlding. Liverpool's first season was in the Second Division in 1893. The team went undefeated all season, winning the title and being put up for election to the First Division, which would see them play a one-off test match against the bottom side of the First Division for their place. The team that Liverpool were to face was Newton Heath, whom they beat 2–0 to take their place in the first tier.

After the Second World War, Liverpool again became English champions in 1947 before the clubs' roles reversed once more, with Manchester United finding stability under the management of former Liverpool captain Matt Busby, winning the FA Cup in 1948 and then three league titles and Charity Shields apiece in the 1950s, while the Merseysiders dropped into the second tier in 1954.