It’s been almost a decade since Manchester United’s last victory against Liverpool at Anfield.
Their 1-0 triumph in January 2016 marked the club’s most recent success at the home ground of their fiercest rivals, Liverpool, and it has been a painful journey ever since.
With another huge clash between these two historic clubs looming, why not take a look back at what the world looked like at this time nine years ago?
From global politics to some of football’s biggest shocks, a lot has changed since Wayne Rooney’s goal secured that crucial victory for the Red Devils.
So sit back, relax and enjoy a trip down memory lane.
The United Kingdom still in the European Union
In January 2016, the United Kingdom was still a member of the European Union.
Brexit has given rise to a heated political debate, but it has not yet reached its dramatic turning point.
Then-Prime Minister David Cameron had promised a referendum on EU membership, scheduled for June that year.
UK voted to leave EU, all votes in favor https://t.co/m92qRMPV6H #Brexit pic.twitter.com/J5Y0l8h61h
– BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 24, 2016
The political climate was dominated by discussions of sovereignty, immigration and economic ties with Europe, but few could have predicted the close vote of 52% to 48% in favor of an exit which would take place six months later.
At the time of Manchester United’s last victory at Anfield, no one knew how divisive Brexit would be or how long and complicated the withdrawal process would be.
The United Kingdom officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, ushering in a new era of political and economic uncertainty.
Donald Trump’s presidential campaign
Across the Atlantic, the political landscape is no less turbulent.
In January 2016, Donald Trump was campaigning for the presidency of the United States.
His fiery rhetoric and unorthodox style had made him a controversial figure, but few people believed he would actually win the Republican nomination — much less the presidency.
At the time, the Democratic race was also in full swing, with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders battling for their party’s nomination.
Trump’s campaign rallies have dominated headlines, with his slogan “Make America Great Again” gaining traction among voters unhappy with the status quo.
BREAKING: Billionaire businessman Donald J. Trump takes oath of office, becoming 45th President of the United States https://t.co/ySV4w1Dx1b pic.twitter.com/Z8cWWSG5f2
–CNBC (@CNBC) January 20, 2017
In November 2016, Trump would stun the world by defeating Clinton in the general election, reshaping American politics and global relations for years to come.
Seven years later, he is expected to return to office after demolishing Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Leicester’s 5000/1
While Manchester United’s victory at Anfield was significant for the Red Devils at the time, the biggest footballing story of this season was Leicester’s astonishing run to the Premier League title.
In January 2016, Claudio Ranieri’s underdog team defied odds of 5000/1, going top of the table and leaving traditional powers like Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea in their wake.
Leicester’s success is down to the brilliance of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, as well as a well-drilled defense led by captain Wes Morgan.
In May, the Foxes would complete their fairy tale by winning the Premier League trophy, one of the most improbable achievements in football history.
Their triumph symbolized hope for small clubs in the years to come and proved that hard work could overcome financial disparities.
WE DID IT!
Leicester City is the @premierleague Champions!https://t.co/cpEtWjv3kU#haveaparty pic.twitter.com/H0uLZHn7cu
–Leicester City (@LCFC) May 2, 2016
The Three Lions by Roy Hodgson
At the start of 2016, Roy Hodgson was in charge of the England national team, preparing for the Euros in France that summer.
Hodgson’s tenure has been mixed, with highs like a perfect Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, where England won all 10 of their matches, and lows like the disappointing World Cup group stage exit 2014 in Brazil.
However, the optimism surrounding the young and talented England team would soon fade.
At Euro 2016, England suffered one of their most humiliating defeats, losing 2-1 to Iceland in the round of 16.
Hodgson resigned immediately after the match, marking the end of his tenure.
Gareth Southgate would later take over, leading England to a resurgence in the years that followed.
FT:#FR 1-2 #ISL
Iceland advances to #EURO2016 quarter-finals, will face the hosts #FRAhttps://t.co/OccbGNVVju pic.twitter.com/TUAhJ8GxPE– FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 27, 2016
COVID-19 and football behind closed doors
Three years after Manchester United’s victory at Anfield, the world faced a crisis of unimaginable proportions.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, brought life to a standstill in 2020.
For football, this meant empty stadiums, postponed matches and a new normal of matches played behind closed doors.
The absence of fans in the stadiums profoundly affected the atmosphere of the match.
Anfield, renowned for its electric environment, felt eerily quiet during this period, even as the Reds won their first Premier League title.
The players had to adapt to competing in near-total silence, with only the echoes of their screams and the thud of the ball breaking the silence.
As the game persisted, the soul of football – the fans – was sorely missed until stadiums reopened in 2021.
FINALLY ! 👑
Liverpool are PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VvurVlGUuT
– NBC Sports Football (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 25, 2020
Is it time to end the streak?
As United prepare to face Liverpool again, fans will reflect on how much has changed since that afternoon in January 2016.
Football, like the world, never stops, and this Sunday’s clash will add a new chapter to the historic rivalry between these two iconic clubs.
New Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim is hoping to make history by securing a rare victory on Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot will support his high-flying Liverpool side to continue their title quest.
Regardless, the North West derby is always great value, and this clash should be no different.
