Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United still outshines Liverpool “by a landslide”, despite the Reds recently asserting their status as England’s most successful club. On Sunday, Liverpool equaled its fierce rivals by securing a record-matching 20th championship and a second Premier League title in five years.
When considering all major domestic and European trophies, Liverpool now holds a distinct advantage over United. The Old Trafford outfit has endured a 12-year drought since the last championship win, although Ruben Amorim could clinch the Europa League this season.
Former United captain Ferdinand confesses he struggles to grasp the extent of Liverpool’s progress over the past decade.
However, the former center-back insists his previous club remains significantly more popular on a global level. “Liverpool is the most successful club in the land, but it is not the biggest club,” stated Ferdinand.
“It’s a fact. You go anywhere in the world, there are more Man United fans than there are Liverpool fans. But that will change if Liverpool remains successful and Man United doesn’t. There will be a swing of new fans who adopt successful teams.
“If Liverpool becomes that over the next 10 years then it has a chance to balance that up, in terms of the biggest club in the world right now. But right now it’s a landslide win for Man United in terms of being the biggest in the world.”
On his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, Ferdinand conceded that he has no choice but to observe Liverpool reclaiming their top spot while United are currently struggling.
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“‘It fries my head,” he admitted. “I’ve got to be honest, when I was at Man United, we were miles ahead, won leagues, etc.
“We clawed it back and then were ahead. I was part of that and it felt great. And now I’m just sitting and watching it before my eyes, just all sliding away. Liverpool has become more successful in the time since I retired. You’ve just got to accept it.”
His comments echoed those of Gary Neville, who admitted it was painful to see Liverpool at the top of English football once more.
“When you think of the league title and the importance of a league title, you think of the great managers that Liverpool has had in Shankly and Paisley, Kenny Dalglish, Joe Fagan, and obviously at United as well, talking about the importance of your bread and butter being the league title.
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“The accolade of the most successful club, you could debate it maybe when Manchester United was on 20 titles, and obviously Liverpool does have more European Cups.
“The painful thing to say is, unfortunately, the debate is over for a period until Manchester United becomes successful again and wins leagues.
“It should cause real tremors over at Old Trafford, the idea that Liverpool, which is obviously a great football club, is now the most successful club. That should cause real heartache and pain, because it took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool, who was miles ahead when Sir Alex Ferguson took over.”
