Why underdog status could yet suit United at Liverpool

It is 20 months since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought into Manchester United, 20 months since he borrowed Sir Alex Ferguson's phrase to voice his determination to knock Liverpool off their perch.

- RICHARD JOLLY

In the intervening time, meanwhile, Liverpool have drawn level with United by winning a 20th league title. United officially launched Project 21. Liverpool have no such slogan but look likelier to accomplish it sooner.

Like much else Ratcliffe has attempted in his time as United’s co-owner, the aim of catching and surpassing Liverpool has gone horribly wrong. Last season the gap was never bigger; not when they were in the same division, anyway. United ended with 42 points, Liverpool with 84. Twice as good, in some respects. More than, in others, with Liverpool first and United 15th, the Merseyside team losing four league games, their Manchester counterparts 18.

There had been some humility amid Ratcliffe’s initial ambition. He had said United had “a lot to learn” from Liverpool and Manchester City, that each was a “sensible organisation” with “great people”. What he had not anticipated was the extent to which United would regress. Last week, in giving his manager his backing, he said Ruben Amorim “needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years”. Liverpool can note Arne Slot won the title in his debut campaign.