Inside the Rivalry: Steven Gerrard Deep-Seated Aversion to Manchester United

Liverpool historic rivalry with Manchester United one of the oldest in the English top flight has been characterized by intense animosity long before the Premier League era began in 1992. As the two most successful clubs in the league’s rich history, Liverpool and United have competed fiercely for supremacy with each side’s success fueling the disdain of the other. This rivalry has been ingrained in the culture of both clubs and their supporters exemplified by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard open aversion towards United.

Gerrard a lifelong Liverpool fan who spent nearly two decades at Anfield faced United 35 times during his illustrious career. His deep-seated resentment towards United stemmed from their sustained success under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson contrasting with Gerrard failure to secure a Premier League title with Liverpool. In a candid admission in 2015, Gerrard emphasized the personal nature of the rivalry describing it as “personal” to him.

Gerrard deep-seated aversion towards United was evident in his self-imposed rule of refraining from including a Manchester United shirt in his vast collection of football memorabilia emphasizing the depth of his emotions towards the club. Despite Gerrard unwavering loyalty to Liverpoo his relationship with United could have taken a different turn in his youth. The iconic midfielder revealed in his book that he wore the red of United during two trial games and was offered a professional contract by the club.

However, Gerrard allegiance to Liverpool ultimately prevailed and he rejected United advances in favor of his boyhood club. Even in later years, United attempted to lure Gerrard away from Liverpool with Ferguson personally appealing to him in 2004. However, Gerrard remained steadfast in his commitment to Liverpool rejecting United advances once again. Reflecting on Gerrard steadfast loyalty, it’s evident that his decision to remain at Liverpool was pivotal for both clubs.

Manchester United pursuit of Steven Gerrard underscores the potential impact his presence could have had on their success but Liverpool fans remain grateful that their iconic captain never wavered in his allegiance ensuring that the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United endured through generations.