Rivalries

Main articles: Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United football rivalry, Manchester derby, and Leeds United and Manchester United rivalry

United's number one rival is difficult to determine. Traditionally, the closest rivals have been Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds,^[70] though Arsenal have come into the frame in recent years.^[71] Currently, most fans see Liverpool as their biggest rivals, due to the success of both clubs as well as their proximity to each other,^[72] while others rate intra-city rivals Manchester City as their biggest rivals. The Liverpool rivalry began during the 1960s when the two clubs were among the strongest in England, and have been competing closely just about every season since. The Manchester City rivalry dates back to the Newton Heath era of the 1890s, and has remained fierce due to both clubs being in the same division for much of their history.

Whilst based in traditional Yorkshire-Lancashire rivalry, the rivalry with Leeds United began during the late 1960s when Leeds emerged as a top side, and continued through the 1970s and 1980s before arguably reaching its apex when Leeds pipped United to the league title in 1992. The rivalry with Arsenal is more recent and based more on battles on the pitch; it has been particularly intense since Arsenal and United have been in direct competition for several trophies since the late-1990s.