Comparing Manchester United’s and Liverpool’s greatest XIs of 2000-2017

Centrebacks

Manchester United – Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand posing with Sir Alex Ferguson during his unveiling at the Theatre of Dreams

Despite Ferdinand’s defensive achievements at Leeds, no one expected Sir Alex Ferguson to shatter the then British record to sign a defender. Moreover, Ferdinand’s elegance, composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and one-v-one defending meant the £30 million United paid to sign him look like a bargain in today’s outrageous transfer market.

At his prime, there was no better reader of the game than Ferdinand in England. It was no coincidence that with him in the side, Manchester United dominated the Premier League and, later, Europe.

Rating = 8.6

Special Mention: Mikaël Silvestre

Manchester United – Nemanja Vidic

Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic competing with Barcelona's Lionel Messi

How on earth could a defender be better than Ferdinand in his prime? Yet, Vidic was better and probably the best Premier League defender ever. Strong in tackle, dominant in the air, and physically imposing, Vidic was every striker’s nightmare.

Ask many a forward to name their toughest opponent, and Vidic would almost certainly be the first name on their lips. He provided the steel to complement Ferdinand’s poise and van der Sar’s reliable hands. The result was a team too hot to handle both home and abroad.

Rating = 9.1

Special Mention = Jakob 'Jaap Stam

Liverpool – Sami Hyypiä

Sami Hyppia of Liverpool. Image courtesy The Empire of The Kop

Liverpool were one of the sides to challenge Manchester United’s hegemony. But to accomplish this, they had the help of a veteran defender at the top of his game.

Signed from Willem II in 1999, Sami Hyypiä was the rock behind Liverpool’s success in 2001 – the club won a cup treble of Fa Cup, Football League Cup, and UEFA Cup (now Europa League). He also participated in the heroic comeback against Milan in 2005. Hyypiä was also ever-present in Liverpool's run to the 2006 Fa Cup victory.

Rating = 6.5

Special Mention: Marin Skrtel

Liverpool – Jamie Carragher

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher

If anything, Jamie Carragher was ‘Mr Consistent’. He spent 17 years playing for Liverpool first team (after being part of their youth team for eight years). Furthermore, for more than a decade, Carragher marshalled the Liverpool defence and tasted success with the team. In fact, he was known for his ‘take-no-prisoners’ defensive style. Also, he demonstrated his versatility by sometimes deputising at right back.

Rating – 6.8

Special Mention: Stepháne Henchoz