Rio Ferdinand Has Zero Doubts About England’s Biggest Club After Liverpool Win League
When Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy in 2020, ending their 30-year wait for a top-flight title, it was a moment of immense pride for the club’s supporters and an undeniable milestone in English football. But for former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, the celebration was not enough to change his stance on who remains England’s biggest club. Even in the wake of Liverpool’s historic league triumph, Ferdinand remained firm: Manchester United are still the biggest football club in England—and he says he has “zero doubts” about it.
This statement, bold and perhaps provocative to some, ignited fresh debate among pundits, fans, and journalists. In a football culture obsessed with legacy, silverware, fanbase size, and global impact, Ferdinand’s unwavering loyalty to United raises an important question: What defines the “biggest” club? Is it recent success, or is it something more enduring?
Ferdinand’s Perspective: A Legacy Beyond the Present
During a post-match interview following Liverpool’s title win, Ferdinand congratulated Jürgen Klopp’s side for their achievement but was quick to draw a line between short-term success and long-term stature.
“Yes, Liverpool have had an incredible season. Credit where it’s due,” he said. “But let’s not get it twisted—Manchester United are still England’s biggest club. There’s no comparison when you look at the overall picture. History, fanbase, global reach, trophies. I’ve got zero doubts.”
Ferdinand’s remarks, though rooted in rivalry, are reflective of a viewpoint held by many within United circles. The club’s 20 league titles, compared to Liverpool’s 19, still stand as the most in English football history. United also boast a record 12 FA Cups and three UEFA Champions League trophies. While Liverpool have matched United in European pedigree—now with six Champions Leagues—Ferdinand emphasizes the consistency and dominance United maintained especially during the Premier League era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Power of the Ferguson Years
To understand Ferdinand’s confidence, one must look at United’s reign under Sir Alex Ferguson. From 1992 to 2013, United were the gold standard—not just in England, but globally. With 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and numerous domestic cups, Ferguson transformed United into a global brand.
Ferdinand was at the heart of this empire. Signed in 2002 for a then-record fee for a defender, he became a defensive mainstay for over a decade. His perspective is shaped by an era where United were the team to beat, and his belief in United’s supremacy is built on more than just nostalgia—it’s built on lived dominance.
Liverpool’s Renaissance: A True Threat?
While Ferdinand maintains his view, even he can’t deny that Liverpool’s recent resurgence has put them firmly back in the conversation. Under Klopp, Liverpool have won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. They’ve built a formidable squad, developed a distinctive playing style, and have arguably been Europe’s best side at various points over the past five years.
Klopp’s Liverpool have amassed points totals (97 and 99) that rival the best in Premier League history. Their 2020 title win wasn’t a scrape—it was domination. For many fans and pundits, it marked a changing of the guard.
Yet Ferdinand is quick to point out that one exceptional period doesn’t redefine a century of football history. “Sustained success over decades is what makes a club the biggest,” he said. “Liverpool are back where they belong, but they need to maintain this for another 10, 15 years to challenge United’s status.”
What Makes a Club the “Biggest”?
The debate hinges on how one defines “biggest.” Is it:
Trophies won? United lead in league titles; Liverpool lead in European Cups.
Global fanbase? United boast over a billion followers worldwide, the most of any English club.
Revenue and brand value? United frequently top the charts in financial reports, though Liverpool have been closing the gap.
Legacy and influence? Both clubs have shaped English football, but United’s Ferguson-led era set standards still being chased.
For Ferdinand and many United supporters, it’s a mix of all these factors—with the emphasis on long-term dominance rather than short-term peaks.
Fan Reactions: Divided Loyalties and Fierce Debate
Ferdinand’s comments were predictably polarizing. Liverpool fans called him “deluded” and accused him of clinging to the past. Social media buzzed with fans comparing trophy counts, individual player legacies, and Champions League records.
United fans, however, rallied behind their former captain. “It’s not arrogance, it’s truth,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “United built a global empire. One title doesn’t erase that.”
Others saw Ferdinand’s comments as reflective of a club still in transition, trying to hold onto its identity amid post-Ferguson instability.
The Future: A Battle for Supremacy
What’s perhaps most interesting is how close the rivalry between the two clubs has become once again—not just in history, but on the pitch. United, under Erik ten Hag, have begun rebuilding with promising signs, while Liverpool have continued to evolve, even as Klopp announced his departure at the end of the 2024–25 season.
Ferdinand himself has acknowledged that United must now back up their claim of being the biggest club with performances and trophies.
“It’s not just about history—you’ve got to win again,” he said. “We need to get back to those levels. But we’ve got the foundation, the infrastructure, and the identity to do that.”
Closing Thoughts: A Rivalry That Defines English Football
Rio Ferdinand’s declaration that Manchester United remain England’s biggest club is more than just club loyalty—it’s a reaffirmation of legacy, identity, and pride. And while Liverpool’s modern success is impossible to ignore, Ferdinand argues that true greatness is measured over time, not just by the glories of a single season.
The debate between United and Liverpool won’t be settled with one title—or even two. It’s a rivalry etched into the fabric of English football, fueled by history, passion, and an unrelenting desire for supremacy. Ferdinand’s words, bold as they are, reflect the essence of that rivalry: a battle not just for trophies, but for the soul of English football itself.
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