by Tim Carter

Created on: July 18, 2008

What is startling about a comparison between Liverpool and Manchester United is not the differences between the two,but the similarities.It is not just the geographical proximity of the two clubs that provides the fierce,"derby" atmosphere,but the remarkable domination of all domestic and European trophies that is shared by the two clubs.In case anyone had forgotten there is of course the fact that both clubs have American owners.This turn of events would have caused disbelieving,shaking of heads no more than a decade ago.

One or other of the two clubs from the same English county have won the most league titles,FA/League cups and all European trophies.Other well known English teams are distant in their achievements.Liverpool currently have the edge,but during the reign of Sir Alex ferguson as manager, Manchester United have made big inroads,especially in the accumulation of league titles. There was a lot of anger and resistance when Manchester United were bought out by the Glaziers,but successive league titles and a European Champions League victory have diminished the impact of that story. On the other hand, Liverpool fans welcomed the investment from American owners,but conversely the relationship has gone sour as divisions have opened up between the owners and also other key board members.

There are other important differences that need to be highlighted.Manchester United are economically more powerful and have taken advantage of their commercial opportunities around the world more effectively than Liverpool. Manchester united have a significantly bigger capacity at their ground,but in spite of,but maybe because of this,it is widely acknowledged that Liverpool fans are more fervent and provide a more intimidating atmosphere at Anfield than rival fans do at Old Trafford.Liverpool are in the process of building a new ground that will narrow the capacity gap and it will be interesting to see how this affects the intensity of the Liverpool crowd.

On the pitch comparisons show that Manchester United's preferred formation last season was 4-1-3-2 and incorporated the attacking flair of Ronaldo,Giggs,Tevez and Rooney.Liverpool preferred 4-2-3-1 and relied more on the finishing skills of Torres backed up by his captain, Gerrard to provide the main threat to their opponents.Manchester United have a more reliable defence now than in the past whereas this has normally been a strenth for Liverpool.The absence of Ronaldo for three months through injury will stretch Manchester United`s other players to make up for the lack of his goal supply whilst Liverpool have been unable for some time to purchase or develop a high class winger.Babel showed some promise last year in that position.

The huge rivalry between these two clubs will always provide intriguing differences in their approaches to success,but their worldwide reputations bring them together as they are envied by all other less successful clubs.

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