EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United and Liverpool’s rivalry runs deep throughout the two cities and the dominance of Fergie’s side in the 90s could have played out very differently
07:00, 02 May 2026
Robbie Fowler
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Liverpool's 'Spice Boys' had a notorious drinking culture(Image: Getty Images)
England’s two most successful teams clash again on Sunday when Manchester United and Liverpool battle for bragging rights and Champions League qualification.
United’s dominance in the Premier League era has waned in recent years but under Sir Alex Ferguson the Red Devils toppled the Anfield giants in the 2010s, sparked by their success in the two decades beforehand.
Football as a whole has changed since the 90s with infamous drinking cultures among the top clubs in the country disappearing. That decade for Liverpool’s ‘Spice Boys’ era was defined by a notorious boozing culture which led to years without a trophy.
Ian Rush
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Liverpool's 'Spice Boys' era peaked when they wore white suits to Wembley for the 1996 FA Cup final before losing to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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One of the stars of that era Dominic Matteo, who played 155 times for his boyhood club between 1993 and 2000, recalled the drinking culture in English football and insisted it was not the reason that Liverpool remained trophyless for seven years. Rather a return to team-mates enjoying a night out would largely improve the cohesion of the team.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sport via BetSelect.co.uk, Matteo said: “I think that was part of the DNA of a certain era. It was a bit like, if you didn't drink, you didn't get in the team, which is crazy, really, but you wanted to be part of the clique.
“Going back to the start of my Liverpool days, we all went out and celebrated our wins together. If you lose, it's different because you don't want to be seen going out drinking after you've lost.
Dominic Matteo
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Dominic Matteo played 155 times for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
“Yes, there was a culture at certain times of being out and about with the boys at Liverpool, but I don't think it was as bad as everyone says.
“Some will say Man United did it better. I don't think we can say that's why we didn't achieve what United achieved. We still trained as hard as anyone else. But did we enjoy a night out? 100%. Yeah.
“I sometimes think that the football world is missing a bit of that. They probably go out for dinner now. They probably don't have six pints and end up arguing. But sometimes it's needed to get things off your chest.
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“Everyone is a bit too nice now. I say it all the time, where have all the characters gone in football? There are a few, but not many. There are some unbelievable characters from all the clubs I've played at in the past.
“I think players spend more time at home because they've probably got everything they need there. But I still think you need a bit of a life. How many times do you think Jurgen Klopp went out and about in Liverpool?
“He probably didn't go out as much as he wanted because he's the top man. But you need to find a place. I used to find a little place in Southport, like a safe space for a few drinks with your mates. No one's going to take a photo of you. We had that in our era, and there will be a place now, I'm sure.”