New era as force is with Rafa’s Reds

THERE WAS a time when Manchester United v Liverpool was the tastiest fixture of the football season, invariably the match which decided the outcome of the title.

Spice will still be present when the two sides meet tomorrow, the fans will ensure that. So will Alex Ferguson, whose aim when he walked into Old Trafford was ending the 25-year domination of the Merseyside club.

But with Chelsea 16 points clear and over the Premiership horizon, this match is not about who might be champions. It is more about the direction in which the Reds from the north-west are travelling.