MANCHESTER UNITED – LIVERPOOL FC: A rivalry gone too far.

Manchester United – Liverpool FC; the very thought of it strikes every chord of passion amongst either set of fans. This particular derby has often failed to exhibit the mesmerising displays of copacetic football expected by the neutrals across the globe. The contest which is often decided by individual bravura is widely described as ‘pixelated’ around the world. But the true significance & fascination of this fixture can only be determined by the two sets of fans. The contest has always been described as the “Match of the century” by the Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. His Liverpool counterparts have also added fuel to fire by making it clear that – “This is the game the fans want to win the most, of all games”. With Kenny Dalglish back at the helm and the fact that Manchester United has surpassed Liverpool’s tally of 18 league titles, the rivalry has taken a giant leap onto a whole new level. The rivalry between the both managers has added extra incite to the frenzy.

Despite all that, the talk of the game will be Liverpool’s Uruguayan hitman Luis Suarez who returned last week from his nine match ban after he was charged for racially abusing the Manchester United left back Patrice Evra. The incident has not only fuelled further rage amongst the fans but has also worsened the relation between both clubs. Evra was given a torrid time by the home fans when Manchester United visited Anfield for the crunch FA Cup clash in January. The game was eventually won by Liverpool through a late winner from Dirk Kuyt. But the fact that the winner was a result of Patrice Evra’s error, multiplied the joy for the home fans. The galvanizing celebrations of Luis Suarez from the stands added to the woes of the away fans. Luis Suarez has made matters worse by revealing that – “I knew what I did and there is a kind of football law that says: ‘what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch and that’s the end of the story.’”. Suarez has made further provocations towards UTD fans by making it clear that their jeering will only affect their team as it will inspire him to perform better. “I know against United it is going to be tense because I’m going to face Evra. But I’m used to having fans whistle at me. I hope nothing unusual happens. I’ll have to forget what happened for that moment. “I do know Man United fans are going to try to make me feel uncomfortable. But I have to tell them, they are going to spur me on if they whistle at me.” – said the Uruguayan.

One thing is for certain; Luis Suarez will have the toughest time of his life on Saturday. The Uruguayan not only has to deal with the 11 players on the field but also has to face the wrath of the thousands of UTD fans who wait in anger. However it will be interesting to see how he reacts to it, as any negative reaction could have potentially damaging impact on his EPL career. While Suarez awaits the backlash from the UTD fans on Saturday and while there are many possible events; positive and negative, that can happen at tomorrow’s game, both teams certainly have a few factors working in their favour. Manchester United will certainly benefit if the home fans manage to demoralise Luis Suarez cometh Saturday. On the other hand, where everyone is focussed on the Suarez-Evra matter it could open a door for the Liverpool No. 9 to make a notable difference. With Carroll back in good touch from the last couple of weeks and a fit Steven Gerrard in the side Liverpool can exploit the negativities of the attention being given to Suarez.

On a whole the game promises to be another thrilling spectacle with plenty of controversies and drama waiting to unfold at the turf of Old Trafford cometh Saturday.