It has been almost a decade since Manchester United last tasted victory against Liverpool at Anfield.
Their 1-0 triumph in January 2016 marked the club’s latest success on the home turf of their arch-rivals Liverpool and it has been a painful journey ever since.
As we approach another big clash between these two historic clubs, why not take a look back at what the world looked like at that 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.
UK still in the European Union
In January 2016, the United Kingdom was still a member of the European Union.
Brexit has been a heated political debate, but it has not yet reached its dramatic tipping point.
The then Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum on EU membership scheduled for June of that year.
The United Kingdom has voted to leave the EU, all votes are ready https://t.co/m92qRMPV6H #Brexit pic.twitter.com/J5Y0l8h61h
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 24, 2016
The political climate was dominated by debates over sovereignty, immigration and economic ties with Europe, but few could have predicted the narrow 52%-48% vote to leave that would take place just 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 race
On the other side of the Atlantic, the political situation was no less turbulent.
In January 2016, Donald Trump was in the midst of his first campaign for the presidency of the United States.
His fiery rhetoric and unorthodox style made him a controversial figure, but few believed he would actually secure the Republican nomination—let alone win the presidency.
At that time, the Democratic race was also heating up, with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders fighting for the party’s nomination.
Trump’s campaign rallies dominated the headlines, and his slogan “Make America Great Again” became popular among voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
LATEST: Billionaire businessman Donald J. Trump sworn in as 45th President of the United States https://t.co/ySV4w1Dx1b pic.twitter.com/Z8cWWSG5f2
— CNBC (@CNBC) January 20, 2017
By 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 would take office again after taking down Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Leicester streak 5000/1
While Manchester United’s win at Anfield was significant for the Red Devils at the time, the biggest football story of the season was Leicester’s stunning run to the Premier League title.
In January 2016, Claudio Ranieri’s underdog side defied odds of 5,000/1, sitting top of the table and leaving traditional powerhouses like Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea behind.
Leicester’s success was built on the brilliance of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante, along with a well-drilled defense led by captain Wes Morgan.
By May, the Foxes would complete their fairytale, lifting the Premier League trophy in one of the most incredible achievements in football history.
Their triumph symbolized hope for smaller clubs in the coming years and proved that hard work can overcome the financial gap.
WE SUCCEEDED!
It’s Leicester City @premijerliga champions!https://t.co/cpEtWjv3kU#havingaparty pic.twitter.com/H0uLZHn7cu
— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 2, 2016
Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions
At the beginning of 2016, Roy Hodgson was at the head of the English national team that was preparing for the Euro in France that summer.
Hodgson’s tenure has been a mixed bag, with highs such as a perfect qualifying campaign for Euro 2016, where England won all 10 games, and lows such as a disappointing group exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
However, the optimism surrounding the young and talented English team will 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 game, marking the end of his tenure.
Later, Gareth Southgate would take over, leading England to a resurgence in the years that followed.
FT:#ENG 1-2 #ISL
Iceland advances to #EURO2016 in the quarter-finals, they will meet 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 unfathomable proportions.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began at the end of 2019, brought life to a standstill in 2020.
For football, this meant empty stadiums, postponed matches and the new normal of playing matches behind closed doors.
The absence of fans in the stadiums had a profound effect on the atmosphere of the match.
Anfield, known for its electric atmosphere, felt eerily quiet during this period, even as the Reds won their first Premier League title.
The players had to adapt to the competition in near silence, and only the echoes of their shouts and the kick of the ball broke the silence.
While the game lasted, the soul of football – the fans – was sorely missed until the stadiums reopened in 2021.
FINALLY! 👑
Liverpool is the CHAMPION OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VvurVlGUuT
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 25, 2020
Time to break the streak?
As United prepare to face Liverpool again, fans will be reflecting on how much has changed since that afternoon in January 2016.
Football, like the world, never stands still and Sunday’s clash will add another chapter to the legendary rivalry between these two iconic clubs.
New Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping to go down in the history books with a rare win on Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot will back his top team Liverpool to continue their title fight.
Either way, a North West derby is always great value and this clash should be no different.
