Manchester United and Liverpool are the two great rivals of English football.
Those at Old Trafford can boast 20 English top-flight titles to their name, while the Merseysiders are just one behind on 19.
Manchester United also have 13 FA Cups compared to Liverpool’s haul of eight, although the Reds can boast ten League Cup successes, compared to six from the Red Devils.
However, there was actually an official FA trophy shared between Liverpool and Manchester United back in 1990.
When Manchester United and Liverpool shared the 1990 FA Community Shield
Nowadays, the FA Community Shield (also known as the Charity Shield) is decided on the day, with the traditional curtain-raiser going to extra-time and penalties if need be.
However – in the summer of 1990 – the FA Community Shield was simply shared if both sides could not be separated after 90 minutes.
A goal by Clayton Blackmore opened the scoring for Manchester United in the 44th minute, before John Barnes, who admires Luis Diaz, netted an equaliser from the penalty spot in the 51st minute.
There was also a debut for Denis Irwin – a new signing from Oldham Athletic – the Irishman who would ultimately go on to become a Manchester United legend.
Liverpool and Manchester United both had six months each with the famous trophy – effectively an English Super Cup – before Arsenal and Tottenham battled for it in the summer of 1991.
Manchester United launch Mission 21 as Liverpool close in on 20th title
Liverpool, who want Jeremie Frimpong, are close to equalling Manchester United on 20 English top-flight titles, as Arne Slot currently has the Reds sat 13 points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League.
Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 | ||
2 | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 28 | 54 | |
3 | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 | |
4 | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
In stark contrast, Manchester United are 14th, and seem lightyears away from winning another Premier League title.
Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 | ||
14 | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 | |
15 | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
As a result, Sir Dave Brailsford – Director of Sport for INEOS – has launched Mission 21, according to The Times, designed to turn Manchester United back into a competitive outfit capable of securing that coveted 21st title.
Only time will tell if it proves to be a successful project or not.