Manchester United vs Liverpool

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.

Reader's Guide

The cities of Liverpool and Manchester are located in the north west of England, 35 mi apart. Since the Industrial Revolution, there has been a consistent rivalry between the two cities based on economic and industrial competition. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, funded by Manchester merchants, was opposed by Liverpool politicians and bred resentment between the two cities. Today, the crests of both the city of Manchester and Manchester United include stylised ships representing the Manchester Ship Canal and Manchester's trade roots. The ship is also included on the crest of many other Mancunian institutions such as the Manchester City Council.

Did You Know?

• Neither Liverpool nor Manchester United, as well as Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, and Tottenham, have been relegated from the Premier League.
• The first meeting between Liverpool and Newton Heath (as United were called at the time) was a play-off match in 1894 that saw Newton Heath relegated to the Second Division.
• Liverpool won their first Football League Championship trophy in 1901, while Manchester United secured their first league title in the 1907–08 season.