The history between United and Liverpool means that it’s extremely rare for a player to have played on both sides of the rivalry. That is highlighted by the last transfer between the sides taking place in 1964 when Phil Chisnall moved to Liverpool. Gabriel Heinze had hoped to become the first player to cross the divide, but United blocked any move, and all corners of Old Trafford rose against the Argentine who was once loved by all fans.
But, ahead of this Sunday’s clash, which players can claim to have played on both sides?
Michael Owen
Owen was once revered as one of the most frightening strikers on the planet and played a crucial role in Liverpool’s treble season in 2001. He also won the Ballon d’Or during that period before moving to Real Madrid and Newcastle. After the Toon’s relegation, Owen signed for the Red Devils and despite his injury record, he was still able to win the Premier League title before Liverpool got anywhere near it.
The most famous Owen moment during his Old Trafford career, and possibly his career, in general, came when he scored a dramatic last-minute winning in the Manchester derby. He scored 17 goals in 52 appearances for United, which also included a Champions League hat-trick against Wolfsburg.
Paul Ince
Despite having questionable views about the current United set-up, Ince also holds the honour of being the only player ever to captain both clubs. He moved to United for £1 million in 1989. He went onto make 281 appearances for the club and scored 29 goals. During this time, he would win his only top-flight domestic titles in England, and also added the FA Cup to his CV.
After a short stint in Italy, he returned to England where he would play 81 times for Liverpool, and he scored 17 goals in the process. However, he wouldn’t win a single trophy during his career at Anfield.
Allenby Chilton
Chilton was one of the key figures in the first title success brought to the club by Sir Matt Busby in 1951/51. However, he began his career on Merseyside with Liverpool before leaving after lack of first-team opportunities.
He moved to Old Trafford after a few months at Liverpool, before making his debut for United in September 1939, just one day before the start of World War II. Once football resumed, he was an ever-present for United before losing his place during the Busby Babes generation to Mark Jones in 1955.
Article contributed by Echoes Contributor Alex Dudley. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.