Rio Ferdinand has doubled down on his claim that Manchester United remains a “bigger” club than Liverpool, despite their bitter rivals drawing level on 20 top-flight titles.

Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham last Sunday saw them win the Premier League, equalling United’s long-held record for the most league titles. But Ferdinand isn’t backing down from his stance.

On his YouTube channel, “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” he said: “Liverpool may be the most successful club in the land, but they’re not the biggest club.” Ferdinand insists United’s global fanbase still eclipses Liverpool’s, claiming, “You go anywhere in the world, there are more Man United fans than Liverpool fans. That’s a fact.”

However, Ferdinand acknowledges that Liverpool’s status could change if they continue their dominance in the years to come. “If Liverpool stay successful and Man United don’t, there will be a swing of new fans. In 10 years, if Liverpool keep winning, they’ll have a chance to balance that up. But right now, it’s a landslide win for Man United,” he declared.

The debate over England’s most successful club has intensified since Liverpool matched United’s 20 titles, with Gary Neville admitting that it marks the end of the long-standing debate. He admitted that it was “sobering” to see Liverpool reach this milestone, but he respects their success. Neville, who made over 600 appearances for United, said, “It’s a massive deal. When you think about the importance of a league title, you have to respect Liverpool.”

Ferdinand, clearly frustrated with the direction both clubs are heading in, opened up about his feelings. “It fries my head. When I was at United, we were miles ahead. Now I’m just watching it slip away. Liverpool has become more successful since I retired, and you’ve got to accept it,” he said.

The two clubs’ histories have been marked by contrasting successes. While United boasts the same number of league titles, Liverpool’s dominance in Europe, with six European Cups to United’s three, gives them an edge internationally, according to Neville.

Neville, who played for United during their most successful years, believes this level of success for Liverpool should act as a wake-up call for United’s hierarchy. “Liverpool are now the most successful club in England, and that should cause pain at Old Trafford,” Neville said. “It took a lot to get ahead of them, and now that will be gone.”

With United and Liverpool now level on league titles, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if the Red Devils can claw back their position as the dominant force in English football.