It would be an understatement to say Liverpool and Manchester United fans don’t get along – some would even say they detest each other.
Similarly, United fans have the same hatred for their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City.
But come Wednesday (3am Thursday in Malaysia) many of them could well be cheering for the blue half – against their own team!
Likewise, Liverpool fans find themselves in the strange position of actually wanting United to not lose.
Liverpool and City are engrossed in the most exciting race for the English Premier League title with the former on 88 points, two ahead of City, albeit having played a game more.
The teams will each have three matches left after the derby.
United is stuck in sixth but still has a chance of finishing among the top four.
However, I’ve received many messages from some fans saying they hope their team loses as they can’t bear Liverpool winning the title.
These messages intensified after United was humiliated 4-0 by Everton on Sunday.
Many of the Liverpool fans who gathered at 1Utama on the same day for the viewing party of the match against Cardiff, were torn when asked about the Manchester derby.
They want the league title which has eluded the team since 1990 but can’t believe they are hoping United don’t lose.
Some, though expressed more confidence in Leicester upsetting City and point to former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers as the ‘trump card’.
The sad fact though is Liverpool could reach 97 points and still not win the title as City is capable of winning all its remaining matches to finish on 98.
Nonetheless, it has been a hell of a ride and with the core of the Liverpool squad not yet in their prime, the future is bright and we can all enjoy the ride.
Liverpool fans getting ready for the Manchester derbypic.twitter.com/U7guse8Q5I
— Troll Football Media (@Troll__Footbal) April 23, 2019
Car park blues
Speaking of rides, the match against Cardiff nearly drove fans up the wall.
Liverpool missed so many chances before winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner.
The viewing party was a ‘sold out’ event – the entrance was free but fans had to get tickets online – with 5,000 watching alongside three Liverpool legends – Sami Hyypia, Steve McManaman and Jason McAteer.
The open-air car park was decked out with flags and banners and filled with rambunctious songs about the Mighty Reds.
It was a good experience although I did learn a valuable lesson after the match – always remember to snap a picture of the parking lot!
1Utama is huge and I only remembered the car was in B2. A friend dropped me off at One World Hotel but access to the mall’s parking was closed off since it was after 1am.
I was literally ‘walking alone’ as I wandered the parking lot and after getting lost a few times, finally decided to walk along the main road to the entrance of 1Utama where I met some guards.
One offered me a ride on a motorcycle and we finally found my car.
