• by Joe Curtis, writing from Miami

The Northwest Derby is regarded as the biggest game in England and features the two most successful and popular clubs in football history, Liverpool and Manchester United. Ryan Giggs refers to this clash as “probably the most famous fixture in English football”.

The roots of the rivalry between these two cities, which are 30 miles (48km) apart, can be traced back to the industrial revolution when Liverpool and Manchester where fighting for economic superiority in Northwest England. The rivalry transfered onto the pitch and grew as Manchester United supporters watched in envy as their neighbors reigned supreme for the majority of the 1970s, and 80s. This successful run over two decades resulted in Liverpool becoming the most decorated club in English history, and in 2005 they added their record 5th European Cup title. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal catapulted the City of Manchester into the battle for economic power and the hiring of Alex Ferguson in November 1986 launched Manchester United into consistent challenges to lift the league title. As United slowly established themselves as one of the top clubs, Liverpool’s superiority began to decline as the Red Devils conquered 11 Premier League titles in the last 18 seasons.