I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched a TV program where the hairs were standing up on the back of my neck, but it happened this weekend. The sensation happened while I was watching a screener copy of Manchester United-Liverpool Rivalry: Premier League Download, the new mini-documentary that’s scheduled to air Monday night at 11:30pm ET on NBCSN.
Whether you’re a Manchester United or Liverpool supporter, or not, be sure to watch the program live (or set your DVR). You will not be disappointed. The 30-minute episode has a little bit of everything — from the history of how the cities of Liverpool and Manchester became such foes, whether the game between both clubs can be considered a derby, some of the most memorable games between the Reds and Red Devils and more.
During Manchester United-Liverpool Rivalry: Premier League Download, the segment that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck was when they featured highlights of some of the most famous goals scored during the rivalry, featuring the original UK TV commentary teams (with people such as Ian Darke, Martin Tyler and other famous names). Seeing those sensational goals hit the back of the net – after years or decades of not seeing them again — really made my heart race.
The Premier League Download episode also features first-person accounts from the likes of Rebecca Lowe, Steve Bower, Robbie Mustoe and Robbie Earle as they recount their memories of the famous games from yesteryear. The type of games that made footballers such as Eric Cantona, Kenny Dalglish, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen household names in world soccer.
While a couple of brief sections of the show drag as the show goes into history that is too basic, the one section that resonated with me the most (other than the highlights) was the debate on whether Manchester United against Liverpool is a derby or not. It’s a simple question, but the answer is more complex. And I was completely surprised by how absorbed I was in the topic. The opinions raised by the NBCSN talent in their argument why it should be considered a derby or not were fascinating, and it made me question my own beliefs on the subject.
Manchester United-Liverpool Rivalry: Premier League Download is highly recommended viewing. Watch the program on NBCSN tonight at 11:30pm ET/8:30pm PT.
