The clash between Manchester United and Liverpool FC is one of the fiercest, most historic rivalries in football. More than just a match between two clubs, it’s a battle between two cities, two traditions, and two of the most successful sides in English football history. From legendary goals to controversial moments, the rivalry between the Red Devils and the Reds has shaped the landscape of English football for over a century.
In this article, we take you through the complete timeline of the most iconic and important matches between Manchester United and Liverpool, exploring how this rivalry evolved into one of global football’s most anticipated fixtures.
⚽ Origins of the Rivalry (1894–1920s)
The rivalry between the clubs has deep roots, not just in football but in economic and cultural tension between Manchester and Liverpool.
28 April 1894: The first meeting occurred when Newton Heath (later Manchester United) played Liverpool in a test match, which Liverpool won 2-0. That result led to Newton Heath losing their First Division status.
The early 20th century saw both clubs bouncing between divisions, but the rivalry had begun.
🏆 Rise of Legends (1930s–1950s)
While both clubs faced their own ups and downs, it was during this era that United and Liverpool began to form the foundations of greatness.
1936–37: Manchester United’s return to the First Division led to more regular meetings.
1946–47: Post-WWII football resumed, and Liverpool won the league while United finished as runners-up.
🏟️ Busby vs. Shankly Era (1959–1970s)
The modern rivalry truly began in the 1960s under two legendary managers: Sir Matt Busby (Man United) and Bill Shankly (Liverpool).
March 1964: A crucial 1-0 win for Liverpool helped them clinch the league over United.
1966–67 season: United responded by winning the title under Busby, emphasizing the back-and-forth dominance between the two clubs.
1969–70: United defeated Liverpool 4-1 at Old Trafford in one of the most emphatic results of the time.
🔴 Liverpool Dominance (1970s–1980s)
While Manchester United struggled post-Busby, Liverpool entered their golden era, dominating English and European football.
1977 FA Cup Final: United beat Liverpool 2-1, preventing them from achieving a historic treble. It was a rare United triumph in a Liverpool-dominated era.
1978–1990: Liverpool won 11 league titles while United went through a series of managerial changes, intensifying the resentment between fans.
👑 The Ferguson Era Begins (1986–2013)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s arrival at Old Trafford in 1986 changed the course of the rivalry forever.
October 1990: A thrilling 3-3 draw at Anfield showed how competitive the rivalry had become.
1995–96 season: Eric Cantona scored in a 1-0 FA Cup Final victory for United against Liverpool.
March 2003: United won 4-0 at Old Trafford, cementing their dominance in the early 2000s.
By 2011, Manchester United overtook Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles, making them England’s most successful club domestically.
⚔️ The Premier League Era Intensity (1992–present)
The creation of the Premier League gave the rivalry a global audience. Matches were watched by millions around the world.
Key Matches:
2008–09: Liverpool’s stunning 4-1 win at Old Trafford, featuring Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
2010: Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win for United.
2014: Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford under Brendan Rodgers, nearly clinching the title that season.
🔁 Post-Ferguson vs. Klopp Revolution (2013–present)
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the balance of power began to shift.
2016: José Mourinho and Jürgen Klopp’s first Premier League face-off ended in a tactical 0-0 draw.
2018–19: Liverpool emerged as title contenders and European champions. United began rebuilding with Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
January 2021: United beat Liverpool 3-2 in the FA Cup, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a late winner.
October 2021: Liverpool crushed United 5-0 at Old Trafford, with Mohamed Salah scoring a hat-trick — the worst home defeat United suffered in this rivalry.
📊 Head-to-Head Record (as of 2025)
Total matches: Over 210 competitive meetings
Manchester United wins: ~83
Liverpool wins: ~71
Draws: ~58
(Note: These numbers may vary slightly with ongoing seasons.)
🧠 Most Iconic Players of the Rivalry
Manchester United:
Eric Cantona
Ryan Giggs
Cristiano Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney
Roy Keane
Liverpool FC:
Steven Gerrard
Kenny Dalglish
Luis Suárez
Mohamed Salah
Fernando Torres
Each player has added drama, passion, and unforgettable moments to this enduring rivalry.
📺 Cultural Impact and Global Reach
The United–Liverpool rivalry goes far beyond England. It’s broadcast in over 200 countries and generates massive global interest. The fixtures attract massive online engagement, sold-out stadiums, and passionate watch parties worldwide.
From chants in the stands to online debates, this fixture ignites the spirit of football like no other. It’s more than three points — it’s about pride, legacy, and bragging rights.
🔮 What’s Next for the Rivalry?
With Erik ten Hag aiming to restore United’s glory and Jürgen Klopp continuing Liverpool’s modern success (or possibly succeeded by a new manager post-2024), the rivalry is poised for even more legendary chapters.
Young stars like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are shaping the future of this rivalry, promising thrilling encounters for years to come.
📝 Conclusion
The Manchester United vs. Liverpool rivalry is not just a football match; it’s a reflection of history, pride, and passion. Spanning over 130 years, the fixture has seen highs and lows, heroes and villains, unforgettable goals, and heartbreaking defeats.
As both clubs evolve in the modern game, one thing remains certain: the chronicle of this rivalry is far from over. Each match writes a new page in the rich and fiery history of English football’s greatest duel.
