Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has brilliantly explained in three words what sets his rivalry with his former club Liverpool apart from other clubs.
Slots looking forward to the match between Liverpool and Manchester United
The biggest game in English football will dominate the weekend in the Premier League, with the Red Devils traveling to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The match promises to be the next great chapter in the great rivalry between the two clubs, and ahead of the match, Reds manager Arne Slott gave his assessment of the much-anticipated match.
“I’m looking forward to every Premier League game, but I’m probably looking forward to the United game even more, because I know how special it is and I experienced it last season. I know it’s probably the most watched game around the world. It’s special to be a part of it, but it’s also a game where you have to give your best in the end, because in my opinion United have probably had a better start to the season than the league table.”
“It’s a very interesting game and I’m looking forward to it, especially since it’s going to be at Anfield. I think the fans have supported us very well while I’ve been here and long before I got here. I think they understand that a team that has lost three games in a row needs to prepare, our team, but I think the fans will help us and they will help us on Sunday as well.”
Rooney perfectly describes the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool in three words
Speech on the Wayne Rooney Show (via Raising the Cop), Rooney explained the “deep, deep hatred” that exists between Manchester United and Liverpool and why it will be different to the Merseyside derby with Everton.
“I think it’s a deeper hatred between Liverpool and United. I think it’s a deeper, deeper hatred between Everton and Liverpool because your family is a Liverpool fan, so no, it’s not hatred, but it’s a rivalry and United and Liverpool is a deeper, deeper hatred.”
Rooney’s assessment is spot on, and although the Merseyside pair still clearly hate each other, their family support for both Liverpool and Everton makes the rivalry a little less rancid.
But with United, things are different, and while both clubs respect what they have achieved in their history, they mostly loathe each other, with a swagger unparalleled in the English game, trying to outdo the other every time they play.
Sunday’s clash at Anfield will be no different, with the Red Devils knowing a win would have a huge impact on Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes.
On the flip side, if the Reds win, there will be a huge amount of play to be had this weekend, as as usual there will be more pressure on Ruben Amorim, especially if they lose badly.