Liverpool and Manchester United's fierce rivalry has been at the forefront of English football for decades.
And while the Merseyside club currently retain the bragging rights over their old foes down the M62, previous generations of United stars are hoping to get one over on the Liverpool legends of yesteryear as the two teams are set for a charity showdown.
A selection of United legends are set to go head to head with a batch of Liverpool's former stars in a clash at Old Trafford on May 21 for the crown of 'Legends of the North'.
All profits from the match will be donated to Manchester United Foundation in what promises to be a great spectacle.
HAVE YOUR SAY : Who would make your legends lineup? Let us know your XI in the comments below.
United will even have one of the club's biggest legends in the dugout for the fixture - though it won't be Sir Alex Ferguson.
Instead, managerial duties have been passed over to their former 'Captain Marvel' Bryan Robson, who made more than 400 appearances for the Red Devils in a 13-year spell, scoring just one shy of 100 goals.
“It’s always exciting playing against Liverpool; even in legends games that rivalry is still there," Robson said. "But, it is also about raising money for Manchester United Foundation, which really helps to encourage and educate young
people in communities across Greater Manchester.”
John Shiels MBE, chief executive of Manchester United Foundation, said: “These matches are a fantastic opportunity for fans to see legends of the game back in action, but more importantly, it’s the chance to make a difference to young people in our communities who have really suffered during the pandemic.
"More children than ever are living below the poverty line – in Manchester and Oldham the number of children living in poverty has increased by 53% and 84% respectively from 2016 to 2021 – and this is likely to increase again due to the rise in living and energy costs.
“Many children are also suffering with their mental health, so your support through events like this is vital to help Manchester United Foundation deliver life-changing programmes and really make a difference to their futures.”
While no players have yet been confirmed for either side, there are likely to be some big names in display.
Liverpool legends already have a huge warm-up clash lined up in the form of a Barcelona XI taking place next month, featuring the likes of Steve McManaman, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer and John Aldridge.
Fan favourites such as Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher have been involved in previous fixtures and Istanbul heroes Luis Garcia and Jerzy Dudek are expected to play a part.
Given Steven Gerrard will be leading his Aston Villa side in the Premier League season finale the following day, it is unlikely the former Reds captain will be involved.
Manchester United had a wealth of talent on show when they thumped Bayern Munich 5-0 in the treble reunion fixture back in 2019, with David Beckham, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, the Neville brothers and Paul Scholes all in the squad, as well as former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
For more information and tickets please visit www.manutd.com/legends. All proceeds from the Old Trafford match will go to Manchester United Foundation’s work with young people across Greater Manchester.
