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

Sir Alex Ferguson

Verdict

Winner - Manchester United

The breakdown

Goalkeeping

It is van der Sar all the way. At his peak, only Peter Schmeichel, David Season, and Peter Cech could hold their own against van der Sar in the goalkeeping department. Dudek was a couple of steps below the Dutchman.

Winner – Manchester United

Defence

Owen, Heskey, Salah, Gerard, Coutinho, McManaman etc., show that Liverpool were and have always been well-stocked in attack; however, it was their backline that relegated them to the position of also-rans (a spot currently occupied by Spurs and Arsenal).

In contrast, it was Manchester United’s well-drilled defence which gave the team the platform to confidently attack opponents. Hyppia was not the best, and many now see Carragher as a legend because no one wants to draw the ire of an influential pundit.

But trusting him to hold the defence together was one of the reasons Liverpool didn’t win titles near enough. Furthermore, Liverpool were short of quality at right-back, leaving Finnan and Carragher as the only other candidates to challenge a defensively unreliable Glen Johnson for the slot of the most exceptional Liverpool right-back.

Winner – Manchester United; it is a no contest.

Midfield

For the past 17 years, no midfield trio were an upgrade on Gerrard, Mascherano, and Alonso. Even now, Coutinho is in a class of his own. However, the level of consistency displayed and the sheer number of accolades make Manchester United just edge the midfield battle.

Winner – Manchester United

Attack

Although Torres and Suarez didn’t stay long, they were just too talented to ignore, even if they didn’t win the same number of trophies as their counterparts. Their ability made Liverpool fearsome in attack.

Rooney and Ronaldo will always be in the Premier League and Champions League history books. Also, their figures consolidate that argument.

Winner – none. It is a draw.