When Arne Slot, the newly appointed manager of Liverpool F.C., guided his side to a record-equalling 20th league title in the 2024/25 Premier League seasonEngland, the club drew level with long‑time rivals Manchester United F.C.. The triumph not only erased a 12‑year gap in league‑title tallies but also reignited a rivalry that has defined English football for more than a century.
Historical context: the rivalry’s trophy race
Back in the 2012/13 season, Sir Alex Ferguson lifted United’s 20th top‑flight trophy, cementing the Red Devils' status as the most successful English club at the time. Ferguson, who famously said his biggest challenge was “knocking Liverpool off their perch”, succeeded and left Old Trafford with a two‑title cushion over the Merseyside side.
For Liverpool, the 1990s and early 2000s were a period of near‑misses. The club’s last league crown before 2020 came in 1989‑90 under Kenny Dalglish. The 30‑year drought ended dramatically when German boss Jürgen Klopp captured the Premier League in 2019/20, delivering the club’s 19th top‑flight trophy and narrowing the gap to a single title.
The 2024/25 title battle
Slot’s Liverpool entered the season as clear favourites, having finished second the previous campaign and fortified their squad with a blend of home‑grown talent and shrewd signings. By contrast, Manchester United endured a chaotic campaign that saw them tumble to 15th – their worst Premier League finish since the 1973‑74 relegation season.
The league race boiled down to a handful of decisive matches. Liverpool’s consistency, highlighted by a 71‑point haul and never dropping below eighth place – a Premier League‑era record – kept the pressure on United, who struggled to turn around a leaky defence and a midfield that rarely clicked.
When the final whistle blew at Anfield on 23 May 2025, the scoreboard read 2‑0 in favour of the home side, sealing the title and sending the Kop into a rapturous celebration.
Managerial fingerprints: Slot, Klopp and Ferguson
Slot’s tactical flexibility – alternating a high‑press 4‑3‑3 with a more measured 4‑2‑3‑1 – reminded many observers of Klopp’s “gegenpress” ethos, yet with a quieter, possession‑oriented twist. “We wanted to keep the blood in the fans’ veins but also make them think,” Slot told reporters after the match.
Klopp, who departed for Bayern Munich in 2024, left a legacy of modern scouting and sports‑science integration that Slot inherited and refined. “Jürgen built the platform. I’m just the guy who walked across it,” Slot joked, earning a chuckle from former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Ferguson’s shadow still looms over United. The former manager’s philosophy of relentless competition still informs the club’s culture, but the post‑Ferguson era has been marked by frequent managerial changes and a lack of coherent identity.
Spending and efficiency
Financially, the two clubs have taken divergent paths over the last five seasons. United, despite finishing 15th, were the second‑highest net spenders in English football, shelling out roughly £1.2 billion on transfers. Liverpool, by comparison, ranked fifth in net spend at about £680 million, yet achieved a league title and maintained a positive cash flow.
This disparity underscores a growing criticism of United’s recruitment strategy. High‑profile signings such as Jude Bellingham (hypothetical) and Anthony Martial have failed to deliver consistency, whereas Liverpool’s targeted acquisitions – notably midfielder Moise Kean and defender Sven Botman – have integrated seamlessly.
Beyond the league: total honours count
League titles are only part of the story. A recent social‑media tally posted by football analyst @mohans_football claimed Liverpool now sit on 70 major trophies compared with United’s 69, giving the Merseyside club a narrow edge in overall silverware.
The breakdown includes domestic cups, European trophies and community shields. Liverpool’s haul features six European Cups, eight FA Cups and four League Cups, while United boast three European Cups, twelve FA Cups and five League Cups. The total count may shift as both clubs compete in the upcoming FA Cup and Europa League campaigns.
What’s next for the north‑west giants?
Looking ahead, Liverpool must now defend their crown while navigating the added pressure of Champions League expectations. Slot’s contract runs until 2029, and early signs suggest he’s already planning a squad refresh that blends youth with experience.
United, on the other hand, face a crossroads. The club’s hierarchy has hinted at a possible managerial overhaul, and the finance team is expected to tighten the purse strings after a season that exposed the limits of spending without strategic vision.
For fans, the rivalry has never felt more alive. As the two clubs prepare for next season’s derby at Old Trafford – another venue that will soon host its own historic chapter – the question remains: will the trophy race tip in favour of the Reds or the Red Devils?
Key facts
- Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League win marks their 20th top‑flight title, tying Manchester United’s record.
- Manchester United finished 15th, their lowest Premier League placement since 1973‑74.
- Arne Slot became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League.
- United were the second‑highest net spenders (£1.2 bn) while Liverpool spent £680 m over the last five seasons.
- Total trophy counts now stand at 70 for Liverpool and 69 for Manchester United.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Liverpool’s 20th title affect the historic rivalry with Manchester United?
The title levels the league‑title count at 20 each, erasing United’s long‑standing advantage. It also gives Liverpool a marginal lead in total major trophies (70‑69), intensifying the rivalry and shifting bragging rights toward the Merseyside side for the first time since 2013.
Why did Manchester United finish 15th despite heavy spending?
United’s high net spend did not translate into cohesive squad building. Frequent managerial changes, a lack of defensive stability and several marquee signings underperforming led to inconsistent results, culminating in a historic low finish.
What tactical changes did Arne Slot introduce at Liverpool?
Slot blended Klopp’s high‑pressing approach with a more possession‑oriented 4‑2‑3‑1 system, allowing midfielders to control tempo while still pressing aggressively when out of possession. This hybrid style maximised the strengths of players like Di Sandro and Kean.
How significant is the total honours gap of 70‑69?
While league titles dominate headlines, total trophies encompass domestic cups, European successes and community shields. The one‑trophy edge highlights Liverpool’s broader success over the decades and adds another layer to the clubs' competition for overall superiority.
What are the next big challenges for both clubs?
Liverpool must defend their league crown while aiming for a deeper Champions League run. United faces a rebuilding phase – likely a new manager, a tighter transfer budget, and an urgent need to restore confidence among fans and players alike.
