Amazon.co.uk Review
In the modern footballing era, meetings between Manchester United and Liverpool have become the biggest games in British football, superseding the rivalry inherent in, and passions aroused by local derbies, on Merseyside, Manchester, North London, Glasgow or anywhere else. In this volume Ponting records the post-war history of the clashes between the two sets of reds. Two charismatic Scots, Matt Busby and Bill Shankly, created the foundations for the clubs to build on and dominate much of the football played in England since 1950. The former's first great side, the ultimately tragic Busby Babes, was followed in the 1960s by the Best-Law-Charlton vintage which finally won the European Cup in 1968. Shankly's Liverpool side first came to prominence in the 60s. Into the 70s and 80s, the men from Anfield became the most successful British club side of all time.
As a result, the rivalry between the two sides and their supporters has become intense--and at times too fierce--slipping over the line from passion into violence. As the Liverpool sides of the 70s and 80s piled up trophy after trophy while United experienced barren years, the latter's fans built up years' worth of bitterness. Now as United, under Alex Ferguson, experience the kind of dominance once held by their Merseyside rivals, their supporters rule the roost.
The history of these games is augmented by recollections from participants and a number of featured classic clashes. The intensity of this footballing rivalry is well- captured by both the text and an ample number of photographs. While followers of either side will find it a fascinating read, to interested outsiders this book will provide a fine introduction to this particularly high-octane occasion. --Trevor Crowe
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Manchester United and Liverpool are the most fanatically supported clubs in Britain. This book details the rivalry between the clubs, providing more than just a full account of every Manchester United v Liverpool game since the war.'