Champions League: Liverpool are not going to win it this year

The heated rivalry between the two clubs is well known throughout the world.

While Manchester United have held sway over Liverpool since the 1990s, the Reds have had much to cheer recently because of their surge under Brendan Rodgers, and the English champions' struggle under new boss David Moyes this season.

When The New Paper asked former United defender Gary Pallister how upset he was over Liverpool's rise, the 48-year-old laughed heartily. "It's a change of fortunes, isn't it? But I'm not preoccupied with all that. Liverpool haven't won the league in 24 years, and they're still not going to win it this year," he quipped.

"The rivalry (between the two clubs) is still there, of course.

"But I felt it more as a player. Now, let's just say it's not something that burns deeply in my soul."

The retired centre back, who represents the Red Devils occasionally at global events, was in town on Monday for the "United Trophy Tour".

To celebrate the club's historic 20th league title last season, United have teamed up with their official logistics partner, DHL, to transport the Premier League trophy to 21 destinations in 25 countries.

Pallister maintained that such tours were important to the club, in line with their tradition of reaching out to their huge fan base. He rejected the notion that there is any danger of United - the most successful club in England - suffering commercially as a result of their recent struggles in the Premiership.

United are currently sixth in the table, 11 points off fourth-placed Liverpool, and in serious danger of missing out on a Champions League spot next season.

As the team rebuild under Moyes, who took over from Sir Alex Ferguson last June, it may take a few years before the Red Devils return to trophy-winning form. But the fans, Pallister insisted, will stand by the club.

"Everybody in and around United know that the club aren't just about success - they're about the history," he explained. "Going back to the "Busby Babes", United are about bringing in young players and nurturing them. That's one reason why the club are so loved."

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