Liverpool v Manchester United: The lure of the English Clasico

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'When you play for Liverpool, you want every game to be massive. You want the whole world watching you. Now this is a proper game, one Liverpool should be involved in all the time. This is what playing for Liverpool is all about.' – Jamie Carragher, March 2011

Those words from Carragher came on the eve of a date with Manchester United and perfectly articulated the fixture's significance.

No matter that Liverpool were enduring an ordinary campaign, a visit from the old foe provided a timely reminder what the club should be challenging for.

Getting ready for battle: Steven Gerrard will captain Liverpool against their bitter rivals

His words also acted as a rallying cry. Liverpool ended up demolishing United 3-1, thanks to Dirk Kuyt's hat-trick and a spell-binding performance from Luis Suarez that left Anfield buoyant. So jovial was the mood the Kop sang 'Happy Birthday' to Kenny Dalglish, who had just turned 60.

Games against United are unique but, ahead of this latest instalment, those on the outside of the rivalry will be wondering how long it will remain the standout fixture in England.

After all, the result is not going to determine the destiny of the Barclays Premier League title. This season the defining games, in all likelihood, will involve the collisions between United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal and some may even argue that, in terms of the final table, the result at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday will have more significance than the one at Anfield.

He's been here before: Sir Alex Ferguson speaks on Friday ahead of the eagerly-anticipated clash

 

How things have changed. It was not long ago, remember, that Liverpool and United could have met in a Champions League final – only United losing a semi-final to AC Milan in 2007 and Liverpool being beaten by Chelsea at the same stage 12 months later prevented it occurring.

Since the two clubs battled for the Premier League in 2008-09 (United emerged on top by four points), they have gone in different directions and it is difficult to predict when they will again be one and two in the country, particularly as 'progress' is Liverpool's main target this season.

But regardless of where they are in the table, there is not a chance that this fixture will ever lose its lustre.

Bitter rivalry: The match has the potential to be an explosive clash

For instance, it remains the game that commands the highest television audience year on year, as the ferocity of the rivalry makes for compelling viewing.

History also proves that both teams do not need to be dominating for the rest of the country to sit up and take notice of what happens at Anfield or Old Trafford when they meet. When United struggled in the 1970s and 1980s, it was still the 'must watch' game. That continues to be the case.

It is also the game that has a power to shape reputations – Suarez was catapulted to hero status on The Kop after he bamboozled United's defence 18 months ago, Robbie Fowler cemented his place in the pantheon with two wonder strikes at Old Trafford in 1995.

Last-gasp strike: O'Shea scored a dramatic winner at Anfield five years ago

 

On the opposite side of the fence, to name a couple, Diego Forlan remains a cult figure with United fans after his two goals at Anfield in November 2002, while John O'Shea's name will forever be remembered fondly on the Stretford End after a last gasp strike in front of the Kop five years ago.

Put simply, this is still the game that matters. It is the one Sir Alex Ferguson wants to win above all others, it is the one that can a gnarled old professional like Carragher skipping across the turf like a giddy teenager when victory is secured and it is the one the defines weeks for opposing supporters.

'This is a game that I have grown up with,' said Brendan Rodgers, who will experience the frenzy for the first time on Sunday.

'Liverpool and Manchester United, through my childhood and teenage years were two massive, iconic clubs. They are known worldwide. It is a fantastic game.'

And one that is unique in the world of football.

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