Manchester United legend Gary Neville has claimed his former team were more professional than bitter rivals Liverpool in the 1990s, labeling the Reds’ senior players as ‘big drinkers’.
Neville came through United’s youth ranks and played a key role for the Manchester club throughout the decade. He helped iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson win five Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League between 1992 and the turn of the millennium.
Needless to say, the 1990s were a hugely successful period for Neville, who went on to make more than 400 appearances for the club, and the England defender is convinced that the professionalism of his teammates gave them the edge over Liverpool.
The Anfield club, who previously dominated domestic football in the 1970s and 1980s, fell into a period of poor form and failed to win a single top-flight title during that period.
Neville believes Liverpool struggled due to their lack of professionalism. He claims that a group of their senior players were known to frequent nightclubs until 5am during the season.
Gary Neville claims Man United were more professional than rivals Liverpool in the 1990s
The Red Devils won an enviable string of trophies in the 1990s under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Pictured in 1997: (back row, left to right) Eric Cantona, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane; (Front) Phil Neville
Liverpool’s Robbie Fowler (left) Steve McManaman (centre) and Jamie Redknapp (right) in matching white suits ahead of the 1996 FA Cup final against Manchester United
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Speaking to the Stick with the football podcastProvided by Sky betsaid the right-back: ‘What we faced (at Man United), at that time (1992-93), Liverpool had a talented group of players, and I don’t deny that some of them were as talented as us. like (Steve) McManaman, (Robbie) Fowler, Jamie Redknapp and a few others.
“Their senior players were big drinkers. They had a talented group at Liverpool and there was one year when they pushed us to the title, in 1995-96, but our senior players were, in my opinion, more professional and more talented.
‘For me there wasn’t an excess of drinking that made us question matches, but I remember seeing Liverpool lads in Cheerleaders (a nightclub).
“Cheerleaders on a Wednesday night, I went a few times and I remember the Liverpool boys were in the corner. The United boys were supposed to go home around 1am, but the Liverpool boys were (there until) 4am, 5am on Wednesday.”
Liverpool finished third in the Premier League during the 1995/96 season, collecting 71 points compared to United’s 82.
Neville was involved in several storming derbies against Liverpool during his United career
Manchester United stars celebrate winning the Treble under Ferguson in the 1998-99 season
Newcastle, managed by Kevin Keegan at the time, was the Red Devils’ closest title rival that season, finishing second on 78 points.
Neville was shown the Old Trafford ropes in 1992 by the likes of Peter Schmeichel, Steve Bruce, Denis Irwin and Eric Cantona.
The following season, former United captain Roy Keane, who joined former teammate Neville on the podcast, arrived at Old Trafford and became another crucial leader in the dressing room.
Gary Neville spoke on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky bet.