It is Derby Week. Yes, I know that, technically, City is considered the derby match. But, let’s face it…they are the nouveau riche who have only recently even come within spitting distance of threatening our reign. No, the real enemy is up the M62 and speaks with a Scouse accent. For those of us old enough to remember the 70s and 80s nothing is sweeter than a victory over Liverpool; and nothing is quite as bitter as a loss to the faux reds.
It is hard to imagine now, but there was a time when our Northwest rivals were winning as a matter of course. We were the underdogs who were, on occasion, able to trip them up as they sought yet another title. Their supporters enjoyed nothing more than lording it over us and loudly pronouncing their superiority. One-off victories for us, like the 1977 Cup Final that denied them a treble, were the best we could do. But, times have changed.
United are now level with their eighteen league titles. We are the world’s most famous team. We have the highest average attendance in the land. We even have their once-upon-a-time hero (little Mickey Owen) on our roster. They seethe with hatred and envy at all things United. That is why a win at Anfield will always mean more to many of us than victory at the Emirates, Stamford Bridge, or the Council House known as Eastlands.
We go into the match with some injury worries, but then so do they. And we should feel much more confident in our depth than they do in theirs. With Torres and Gerrard possibly out of the lineup, Liverpool must surely be worried. Yes, they did the double over us last year and did so with less than a full-strength roster, but can anyone really expect that to happen again? Sir Alex will simply not allow it. He knows that victory on Sunday not only keeps United at the top of the table, but that it also puts Liverpool’s title challenge to the sword.
United, in many people’s opinions, have not yet hit full stride. This would be the perfect time to make a statement. Assuming Rooney, Giggs, and Fletcher are fit, they will be in the starting eleven. All three are United through and through and know full well how important the match is to the city, team, and supporters. With Van Der Sar back providing a calm presence, Ferdinand and Vidic will surely regain the regal composure that has marked their partnership in the past. The signs are all there for us to make a powerful and lasting statement against the Scouse hoard.
Enjoy the days and hours leading up to the match. Revel in the nervous anticipation of a truly big match. And forget about geography; this is the Real Derby.
Sign up for our feed