When it comes to the English league, it does not get bigger than Liverpool and Manchester United. Between them, they share an incredible 38 league titles and eight Champions League medals. Even though Liverpool have not been at their best for more than two decades, they still remain an iconic club. This, however, does not prevent the possibility of having a learning curve. There are aspects that Liverpool can still learn from their arch rivals and biggest nemesis, Manchester United.
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Not Holding Back in the Transfer Market
Manchester United have always shown a great hunger and desire when it comes to the transfer market. They have not been afraid to spend big money if they think the player is right for the club. Some of the league titles won by United were solely due to their big-money signings like Dimitar Berbatov and Robin van Persie. Liverpool, though, have shown a tendency to look for value and this was especially prominent during the Rafa Benitez days. Liverpool flexing their muscles with the signing of Sadio Mane has already shown the benefits.
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Promoting Youth from within
Manchester United have developed an incredible tradition of promoting young players from the youth systems without any second thoughts. Liverpool also have a famed youth academy that has produced the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, but the production line either seems to have stopped or declined in quality over the last decade. The fact that United have been able to maintain their run going even when utilising youngsters is a proof that Alan Hansen’s philosophy, of youngsters not contributing to titles, is wrong.
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Opening up the Commercial Arm
Manchester United have been a great example about maximising the commercial aspect of a club with hurting performances on the pitch. Of course, they have not been able to deliver success in the last three years, but there are already signs that the drought is about to end. Liverpool have a great fan following in Asia which contributes heavily in terms of shirt sales, but the overall commercialisation of the club has been below par considering their stature and history. One of the troubles, though, maybe the lack of recent successes but Liverpool only seem to be stuck in a catch 22 situation with such opinions.
The only lesson learnt from United so far seems to be increasing stadium capacity to beyond 50,000. It could be one of the greatest decisions made by the club in the last decade.
