Five top players who played for both Manchester United and Liverpool

One of the top rivalries in the history of English football, Manchester United and Liverpool have seen numerous close encounters and fights on the pitch, making transfers between the clubs rare and controversial. For the players too, it is controversial to even exchange the jerseys at the end of the game. 

Amidst the rivalries, there have been some transfers between the clubs, which have sparked outrage while also having some of the transfers that are subtle and indirect. For players, it has been career-defining whereas for few, it did not work out.

Here are the five top players who played for both Manchester United and Liverpool: 

1. Michael Owen

The wonderboy of Liverpool, who burst onto the scene at Merseysiders, winning a Ballon d’Or in 2001, Michael Owen became the favourite of the Kop End with his electric pace and clinical finishing. He had 158 goals from 297 appearances for Liverpool, winning six trophies with the Reds. He won five trophies in 2001, assisting him to win the coveted Ballon d’Or. 

After his stint with Real Madrid, he came back to England to feature with Newcastle United. While three years with the Magpies yielded no results, Owen made a move on a free transfer to Manchester United where he donned the No 7 jersey. While injuries did not allow him to perform his best, his 96th-minute winner against Manchester City in the derby to help the Red Devils win the game 4-3 will remain a profound memory. 

2. Paul Ince

The self-proclaimed “Guv’nor” was established as a midfield general in the Premier League for Manchester United in the early years. The finest hour of the player came during the title-winning campaign of 1992-93 where he went on to play an instrumental role. Manchester United were without a top-flight title for 26 years and he played a big role. Paul Ince’s ability to tackle anywhere in the field, and box-to-box energy embodied the philosophy of Sir Alex Ferguson. For Manchester United, he went on to play over 280 games, while scoring 28 goals. 

After Manchester United, he featured for Inter Milan, where he went on to play in the finals of the UEFA Cup before losing it to the German outfit. In 1997, he denied the contract extension offered by Milan and made a move to Liverpool, a move made by players in years. Though he did not win any major titles, he was widely celebrated when he scored against Manchester United. 

3. Peter Beardsley 

A creative genius whose skill and vision made him one of the gifted players of English football. Beardsley’s Liverpool saw its peak during the 1987-88 season, forming an irresistible and formidable partnership with John Aldrdige to play sublime football. Peter had an incredible ability to play sublime football and make impossible passes for a normal footballer. 

Before his Liverpool career, he had featured for Manchester United after moving from Canada. The Old Trafford outfit had spent a huge  €333 K on the forward but to no avail, he failed to replicate the fine form in 1981/82. He returned to Canada before joining Newcastle United and making history with Liverpool. 

4) Phil Chisnall 

One of the few players who have been directly transferred between Manchester United and Liverpool in their history, Phil Chisnall moved from Manchester United to Liverpool in a deal worth €29 K. The player had risen through the ranks of Manchester United academy and the deal shocked the club and its fans to the core. The 1964 transfer will always remain a precedent that remains unbroken in recent years. 

The second striker, who occasionally played as a forward, broke through the academy and made his senior debut in 1959. His greatest campaign was in 1963-64, where Chisnall helped the team to win the European Cup, scoring goals in the semifinals. While Bill Shankly brought him to Merseyside, the player did not live up to the hype of both clubs, failing to etch his name in history. 

5. Tom Miller

One of football's early pioneers, Miller's career spanned both sides of World War I, representing both clubs with distinction. His finest hour came in Liverpool's 1921-22 title-winning campaign, where his versatility proved crucial in securing the championship. Miller began his career with United in 1908, showing remarkable adaptability by playing in multiple positions before making the move to Liverpool. 

Miller’s physical presence and tactical intelligence made him a valuable asset for both teams during an era when football was evolving rapidly. Though his achievements might be less celebrated in modern times, Miller's contribution to both clubs' early histories helped establish the foundations for their future success.