The Rivalry That Unites and Divides: Crafting the Ultimate Liverpool vs. Manchester United Combined XI
With the highly-anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester United just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dig into the history between these two clubs. The rivalry is as intense as it gets in English football, fueled by their close proximity in both geographical terms and success. Fans from every corner of the globe will tune in to witness this spectacle twice each season, and trust me, it’s a must-watch!
Now, let’s talk facts. Liverpool fans love to boast about their six European Cups, and why wouldn’t they? Meanwhile, Manchester United has held domestic bragging rights for a while—until Liverpool matched their 20 top-flight titles last season. The Reds dominated the football scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s before United took over in the ‘90s and beyond.
In the Premier League era, it’s often been a one-sided match-up: United snatched a whopping 13 titles while Liverpool managed just two up until recently. But oh, how the tides have shifted! Lately, Liverpool’s been the one to beat, especially as United navigated some pretty rocky waters last season.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Liverpool has the chance to reinforce their dominance, especially against a Manchester United side that’s been grappling with issues for quite some time. Anfield will surely be buzzing!
As the excitement builds for this latest chapter in their storied rivalry, we’ve taken a fun challenge: crafting the best combined XI from both of these legendary clubs since the Premier League kicked off in 1992. So, let’s dive in!
Between the Sticks: Peter Schmeichel
We’ll kick things off with one of the game’s greats: Peter Schmeichel. The legendary Danish keeper joined United for just £505,000 back in ‘91 and left nearly a decade later having played 292 league games and won five titles. He’s even the only goalkeeper to have ever snagged the Premier League Player of the Season award. Quite the legacy, wouldn’t you say?
Honorable Mentions: Alisson Becker, David de Gea, Edwin van der Sar, Pepe Reina
Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Next up, we’ve got Trent Alexander-Arnold. Although he left Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2025, he was crucial in clinching Liverpool’s second Premier League title. His creative flair has redefined the full-back role, picking up a staggering 18 goals and 64 assists during his time in the league. He edges out Gary Neville for a spot here, even if Neville has a few more titles to his name.
Honorable Mentions: Gary Neville, Markus Babbel
Center-Backs: Rio Ferdinand and Virgil van Dijk
Now for some heavy hitters in our defense! Rio Ferdinand and Virgil van Dijk are our go-to duo. Ferdinand, a mainstay at United for over a decade, played 455 times and helped secure six Premier League titles. He’s not just a solid defender; he’s also a Premier League Hall of Famer.
On the other hand, you have Virgil van Dijk—arguably one of the best center-backs ever. Since joining Liverpool in 2018, he’s made over 200 appearances and is known for his incredible skill and leadership.
Honorable Mentions: Nemanja Vidic, Jaap Stam, Jamie Carragher, Steve Bruce, Sami Hyypia, Gary Pallister
Full-Back: Denis Irwin
Now let’s talk about Denis Irwin. He’s the defender who could do it all—left or right, it didn’t matter. With almost 300 league appearances and seven titles under his belt, Irwin was a reliable presence for United during their glory days.
Honorable Mentions: Andrew Robertson, Patrice Evra, John Arne Riise
The Midfield: Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane
Moving on to the midfield, it’s impossible to overlook Steven Gerrard. Despite his trophy cabinet not matching United’s haul, the iconic midfielder has a record eight PFA Team of the Year selections. He left Anfield with a remarkable 120 goals from 504 league appearances.
And right alongside him is Roy Keane, a true midfield general. Over ten years, he led United to seven league titles and was a fierce competitor. His accolades speak for themselves, with five PFA Team of the Year nods.
Honorable Mentions: Xabi Alonso, Nicky Butt, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Michael Carrick, Dietmar Hamann, Javier Mascherano
The Wingers: Mohamed Salah and Ryan Giggs
On the wings, we’ve got Mohamed Salah and Ryan Giggs. Salah is near the summit of Premier League greats, breaking records left and right since his debut season. He’s a three-time PFA Player of the Year and continues to set the bar high.
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs might just be the best advert for longevity. Signing on with United in 1990, he played an astonishing 963 games and scored over 100 league goals. He saw it all, from the highs of United’s title runs to individual achievements.
Honorable Mentions: Sadio Mane, Steve McManaman, Marcus Rashford
Striker: Wayne Rooney
And the man leading our line? Wayne Rooney. With over 200 goals in the Premier League, Rooney is not just a prolific scorer; he’s a legend. He’s got the titles to match his stature, being a five-time league champion and United’s all-time leading scorer.
Honorable Mentions: Robbie Fowler, Luis Suarez, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole, Fernando Torres, Dwight Yorke, Michael Owen, Roberto Firmino, Robin van Persie, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
So there you have it! Here’s Sports Mole’s combined XI ahead of the eye-catching Liverpool vs. Manchester United clash: Schmeichel; Alexander-Arnold, Ferdinand, Van Dijk, Irwin; Gerrard, Keane; Salah, Scholes, Giggs; Rooney.
As we prepare for the match, there’s no denying this competition remains one for the ages, bringing both passion and excitement to football fans everywhere!
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