Rio Ferdinand has ignited a debate with his bold assertion that Manchester United remains greater than Liverpool, despite the latter’s recent success. According to the former Manchester United defender, while Liverpool may have matched United’s domestic league title count by winning their 20th Premier League title, the balance still tips in favor of United when considering global fanbase and historical success.
Ferdinand, a Manchester United legend, acknowledged that while Liverpool has experienced a resurgence, particularly in the last few years, the global stature of Manchester United remains unparalleled. He pointed out that when traveling anywhere in the world, one is more likely to encounter Manchester United supporters than Liverpool fans, despite Liverpool’s recent achievements. This, Ferdinand argues, contributes to Manchester United’s continued position as the world’s biggest club.
However, Ferdinand also recognizes that success on the pitch is pivotal for maintaining such a status. He warned that if Liverpool continues to achieve success over the next decade while Manchester United fails to return to its former glory, the balance could shift. New fans are often attracted to successful teams, and as Liverpool grows in success, they may begin to surpass United in terms of global influence and appeal. This shifting dynamic is something Ferdinand acknowledged with caution, noting that the gap could close if Manchester United does not regain its dominant form in the near future.
Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Ferdinand expressed his frustration at watching Liverpool close the gap in terms of success. During his career, Manchester United had been miles ahead of Liverpool, dominating English football and winning numerous league titles. Ferdinand was part of a team that continually stayed ahead, but in recent years, Liverpool has narrowed the gap, with a particularly strong period marked by their 2019-2020 Premier League title win. He confessed that watching Liverpool’s growing success after his retirement in 2015 had been difficult for him to accept, as United’s once unassailable lead had diminished.
Despite this, Ferdinand remains firm in his belief that Manchester United’s historical success, particularly under Sir Alex Ferguson, still gives them the edge. The club’s immense global following and continued financial power are key factors that contribute to United’s standing as the most influential club worldwide. Ferdinand acknowledged that Liverpool’s resurgence, fueled by recent managerial brilliance and tactical evolution, could eventually shift the balance, but for now, Manchester United remains at the top.
A critical point of comparison between the two clubs is their European success. While Manchester United has won the Champions League three times, Liverpool has been far more successful in Europe, with six European Cups to their name. This disparity in European achievements gives Liverpool a notable advantage in the eyes of many football fans, as their success on the continental stage elevates their standing. However, Ferdinand argued that Manchester United’s broader legacy, built over decades, and their current commercial success, means they still hold the title of the world’s biggest club.
Ferdinand’s comments underline the ongoing rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, two of the most successful and storied clubs in English football history. While Liverpool has gained ground in recent years, particularly in terms of on-field achievements, Manchester United’s global reach, historical success, and continued commercial dominance mean that, for now, they remain the bigger of the two clubs. However, as football evolves and success on the pitch remains the ultimate measure of greatness, the next decade could prove pivotal in determining which of these two giants is truly the greatest.
