Reds v Red Devils brings back old, bad, bitter memories

When it comes to English football's two most successful clubs, the gulf between Liverpool and Manchester United has not been so vast in modern times.

- John Brewin

If that feels like a statement frequently made over recent years, then the direction of travel, United in decline, Liverpool resurgent, remains the same.

You would have to go back to 1973-74, the season the Red Devils were relegated to the old Second Division, and Liverpool finished second in the old First, for it to be so stark.

Even when United dominated the 1990s, Liverpool never plunged so low as the 14th place at which United entered 2025. At two goals down to Newcastle after 19 minutes on Dec 30, disaster could have been deepened further but even after his team improved without scoring, Ruben Amorim admitted that relegation, like 51 years ago, has become a possible fate for, yes, United. For them to drop into the Championship would be a shock to match even Leicester's 2015-16 title win.