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"Manchester United Or Liverpool?"

Post on: December 28, 2017

Mention Manchester vs. Liverpool and every football fan will look with furrowed brows. Fans from both sides will invariably assume an air of arrogance. The animosity dates from time immemorial … a visceral rivalry which provides fodder for talk. Both have ardent and worldwide fanbase — even the tea shop culture in remote villages comes out alive once these two teams meet.

Growing up in the 80s, I could attest to the thrill both clubs bring. I am a “gila gila” Manchester United fan. I was awe-struck watching captain marvel, Bryan Robson. He was the lynchpin of the team and led by example. His talent needs no introduction and was regarded as one of England’s best.

My brother was (and still is) a staunch Liverpool fan and idolised Ian Rush. Well, Rush was the most prolific scorer and a real joy to watch — an opportunist and a poacher’s poacher in the penalty box. I would have supported him if he was from any other team … besides Liverpool. Such was the rivalry made so succinct — nothing from the rival team should impress us. And in my case, club loyalty took centre stage.

In England, the match between these two overshadows their own local derby competitions — Liverpool against Everton; and Manchester United against Manchester City has to play second fiddle. And the last player who was directly transferred between the two clubs was Phil Chisnall, way back in 1964 — this speaks volumes about the intensity of club rivalry.

Fans and the media would go into a frenzy every time these two meet. There is no dispute that the two clubs are the most successful English teams in both the domestic and European league. Both can boast of their supremacy over the other. Manchester United for its superior league titles and Liverpool for overshadowing its nemesis’ European championship victories.

Managers are not exempted from the fray — the battle of the wits between the managers can tilt the outcome too. Psychological warfare is an art mastered by those who helm the clubs — made famous by Ferguson vs. Benitez confrontation and now Mourinho vs. Klopp.

The players relish these encounters. They know that these matches stand out from the rest. If you score and win a match, it stays in people’s minds — the arch rivalry indelible it. Such is the dominance of a Manchester United vs. Liverpool encounter.

Everyone has a say in the matches. Ah Peks are apt in giving tips avidly at coffeeshops. And punters would have a field day too. Even a non-soccer fan bets because of the build-up interest generated and there’s something to shout about. In fact, a friend tells me, “I don’t watch much soccer, but United vs. Liverpool is an exception. It would be Sayang not to be part of such arousing passion”.

The rivalry is good for the game. Standards have been raised; it has generated pure joy. It is always a Red letter day whenever the Reds and Red Devils faceoff. No pun intended — fans will know what I mean.

The Jolly Good Times hopes the article resonates with the Manchester United and Liverpool fans (and every soccer fan). If it does, share it with your kakis (do it even if otherwise) — Invite them to Like us on Facebook.

By Shaji Thomas Varughese

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