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.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights at Anfield hummed with a low, menacing vibration as the Manchester United team bus pulled into the car park. The air was thick with fog and the smell of damp wool from thousands of Liverpool fans packed onto the terraces. Inside the dressing room, the silence was heavy; no one needed to speak about what was at stake. Outside, the roar of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' began to swell, a wall of sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of the stadium. As the players walked out onto the pitch, the red and white stripes of United met the sea of red shirts, marking another chapter in a war that had been fought for generations.

Reader's Guide

Neither of the two, as well as Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, and Tottenham, have been relegated from the Premier League. The cities of Liverpool and Manchester are located in the north west of England, 35 miles apart. The rivalry between the two cities dates back to the Industrial Revolution, with economic and industrial competition. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, funded by Manchester merchants, was opposed by Liverpool politicians and bred resentment. The crests of both the city of Manchester and Manchester United include stylised ships representing the Manchester Ship Canal. Both cities were part of the county of Lancashire until 1974. Manchester United was formed in Newton Heath in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR F.C. Liverpool F.C. was formed in 1892. Liverpool's first season was in the Second Division in 1893; they beat Newton Heath 2–0 in a test match to take their place in the First Division.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United's home kit is red, not white.
• The two clubs have won a combined 40 league titles.
• As of 3 May 2026, Liverpool have 69 trophies to United's 68.
• The first meeting between the clubs was a play-off match in 1894 that saw Newton Heath relegated to the Second Division.