As the 2024/25 season nears its climax, Man Utd and Liverpoolare once again dominating headlines—not just for their on-field exploits but for their ever-burning debate: Who is the most successful football club in England?
With Liverpool chasing a historic 20th league title to equal Manchester United’s long-standing record, the battle for bragging rights between Man Utd and Liverpool is more intense than ever.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Harry Maguire of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United FC at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
🔥 A Rivalry Defined by Glory
Few rivalries in world football are as historic and hotly contested as Man Utd and Liverpool. From legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Bill Shankly to iconic players like Steven Gerrard and Ryan Giggs, the saga of Man Utd and Liverpool is not just about goals—it’s about glory, silverware, and supremacy.
But the question persists: Who has truly won more?
🏆 The Trophy Table: Who Has What?
Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of Man Utd and Liverpool in terms of major trophies won:
Domestic Trophies
Trophy
Manchester United
Liverpool
League Titles
20
19 (soon 20?)
FA Cups
12
8
League Cups
6
10
Community Shields
21 (17 outright)
16 (10 outright)
European & International Trophies
Trophy
Manchester United
Liverpool
UEFA Champions League
3
6
UEFA Europa League
1
3
UEFA Super Cup
1
4
FIFA Club World Cup
1
1
Intercontinental Cup
1
0
Man Utd and Liverpool have both dominated different eras—United ruling domestically under Sir Alex Ferguson, and Liverpool owning the European stage.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring their second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on January 5, 2025. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
📊 Major Honours (Excluding Community Shield)
If we stick strictly to major trophies and exclude the often-debated Community Shield:
Liverpool: 48
Manchester United: 43
Now flip the switch and include the Community Shield:
Manchester United: 65
Liverpool: 64
That’s how close the race is between Man Utd and Liverpool—just one trophy apart depending on what you count.
🤔 Why the Disagreement?
The debate between Man Utd and Liverpool fans isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about which trophies matter most.
Liverpool fans often highlight their six Champions League titles, the most by any English club.
Man Utd fans emphasize their record 20 league titles—a symbol of domestic consistency and dominance.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 05: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks to control the ball whilst under pressure from Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The inclusion of the Community Shield is another point of contention. United have more of them, but many argue it’s not a “major” title.
And so, Man Utd and Liverpool remain locked in a war of definitions as much as achievements.
🧠 Who’s Ahead – And Why It’s Complicated
Let’s break it down simply:
✅ Domestic Brilliance → Manchester United
✅ European Supremacy → Liverpool
✅ Most Total Trophies (All-Inclusive) → Manchester United
✅ Most Major Trophies (Strict Criteria) → Liverpool
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United interacts with Mohamed Salah of Liverpool prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The reason the Man Utd and Liverpool conversation is so contentious is because both sides have a legitimate case. It’s not just about what’s in the trophy cabinet—but how it’s counted.
💬 What It Means Today
As Liverpool close in on equalling United’s league tally, the significance of the Man Utd and Liverpool rivalry is reaching a new peak.
Fans on both sides are gearing up to rewrite narratives:
If Liverpool win the league this season, they’ll officially match United’s 20-title record, making the debate even more intense.
If United add a European trophy or domestic double, they might regain bragging rights on the “total count” front.
In the end, the battle between Man Utd and Liverpool isn’t just about trophies—it’s about legacy. It’s about which club defines English football. It’s about pride, history, and the power of belief.
So, who wins?
It depends on who you ask.
But one thing is certain: Man Utd and Liverpool will keep this rivalry burning, season after season, as two of the greatest clubs in football history.