James Milner had plenty of memorable moments during his long playing career, not least when he came up against Manchester United at both Liverpool and Manchester City
James Milner speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast
James Milner was given a tough choice between Liverpool and Manchester City(Image: The Good, The Bad & The Football)
James Milner was given a tough choice between iconic moments with Liverpool and Manchester City — and his decision might not go down too well with Reds fans.
Milner of course represented both sides, making the move directly from the Etihad Stadium to Anfield on a free transfer back in 2015. Despite coming from one of Liverpool’s rivals, the former midfielder would go on to earn his spot among the club’s legends during an eight-year spell on Merseyside.
He won the Champions League and Premier League title with the Reds, the latter his third league crown after two titles at City, and there were plenty of other memorable moments along the way.
Chief among those will have been some big wins over Manchester United. Milner has even more reason to relish beating the Red Devils, having come through the ranks at Leeds before playing for United’s two biggest rivals.
And during his career, Milner was on the right side of some big scorelines against the Old Trafford club. At Liverpool alone, there were 4-0, 5-0 and — most memorable of all — 7-0 victories over the old foe.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the sixth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield on March 05, 2023 in Liverpool, England
Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 7-0 in Milner's final season at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
That latter result, which saw Jurgen Klopp’s side blow Erik ten Hag’s team away at Anfield in 2023, was undoubtedly the high point in what was an otherwise disappointing season for the Reds, and it proved to be the final time Milner would face United while at Liverpool.
He also had plenty of memorable moments against his rivals while at City, not least the 6-1 win at Old Trafford in 2011, which came during the title-winning campaign, which was secured by Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late goal on the final day.
And when asked to choose between his two big wins at Liverpool and City, it proved to be a tough choice for Milner.
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“That's probably the best question I've ever been asked,” Milner said on The Good, The Bad & The Football, sponsored by Midnite.
“Both incredible, obviously, being a Leeds fan and growing up as a Leeds lad. You know, hard to separate, but I think the City one was obviously massive because it was, I think, the first year we won the league, and it was early in the season, and I think it probably gave us that belief to go on and win the league for the first time.
James Milner celebrates with Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero during Manchester City's 6-1 win over Manchester United in 2011
James Milner celebrates with Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero during Manchester City's 6-1 win over Manchester United in 2011(Image: Getty Images)
“You know, you can't really separate them, but I'd say that in terms of having that belief to go and knock them off the perch.”
Although Liverpool fans might disagree with Milner’s choice, it won’t do much to harm his reputation at Anfield.
The 40-year-old has actually been back with the Reds recently in a coaching capacity, having retired from playing at the end of last season. Milner has been working with Liverpool’s youth teams, potentially with a view to his next career move after hanging up his boots.