The Barclay’s Premier League season is set to start in less than two weeks but tonight, two of the biggest clubs in England will clash in a pre-season International Champions Cup final in Miami. Yes, we’re talking about last season’s runners-up Liverpool and 13-time Premier League champions Manchester United.
Though tonight’s match may just be a ‘friendly’ with both teams playing for pride, there’s still a lot at stake make no mistake about it. According to the latest media reports, United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels these ties are ‘always a big deal’.
The Guardian once reported that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that ‘knocking Liverpool off their perch’ was his greatest challenge. Liverpool has yet to win a Premier League title even though they won 18 titles previously competing in the now-defunct First Division. At the same time, under Ferguson’s guidance, United won the Premier League a record 13 times. That feat combined with their First Division silverware knocked Liverpool off their perch with a total of 20 league titles.
Since Sir Alex retired a year ago and appointed David Moyes as his ‘chosen’ successor it all went downhill for United. Moyes was unable to replicate Ferguson’s success and United ended their season on eighth position as a result.
With Moyes now gone, United will usher in a new era under uber-successful World Cup manager Louis Van Gaal. It will be a test of tactics between Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers and the man whom he reportedly disapproved of as Director of Football at Liverpool two years ago.
A win for either side would provide its victors with a psychological advantage in the lead up to the Premier League season. United are scheduled to play the FA Community Shield against Arsenal in six days and a win against Liverpool, would surely boost their confidence.
United beat Champions League winners Real Madrid to qualify for the final while Liverpool beat Italian giants AC Milan. The Red Devils would like nothing more than to take this match to avenge their 3-0 home defeat last season against the Reds.