La Liga - Who's bigger? United or Real?

Eurosport - Fri, 12 Jun 09:01:00 2009

It finally looks as if Cristiano Ronaldo is about to swap Manchester United for Real Madrid, moving from one footballing giant to another.

FOOTBALL Manchester United v Real Madrid scoreboard 2003 - 0

But is it a step up or a step down?

We look at Manchester United and Real Madrid in 10 different categories to figure out which is the bigger and better club.

FANS

The Bernabeu stadium (80,354) has a larger capacity than Old Trafford (76,212), though United averaged nearly 4,000 more fans per game last season - 75,304 compared to 71,523.

This can be partially explained by United's success, but even when Real are winning leagues it is relatively simple for Joe Soap to get tickets for all but the biggest games. The same cannot be said at United, where Old Trafford is sold out every week.

Both have huge global support but United were first into the lucrative Asian market and seem to have the worldwide edge too.

Finally, there is the question of noise. Both clubs could do more when it comes to games against lowly sides, but the Old Trafford faithful seem to generate a bit more of an atmosphere on the big occasions.

Who's better? United.

- - -

STADIUM

Both clubs play at fantastic stadiums, but the Bernabeu has the edge for a number of reasons. First, there is a bit more going on in its surrounding area and it is closer to the city centre. Indeed, some Manchester City fans argue that Old Trafford is not actually in Manchester at all.

Of course the Bernabeu can also cram in more fans, but the key thing we like about Real's stadium is the delightful feature of heaters on the roof.

Some will think such luxury goes against football's traditions, and they may have a point. But it is unlikely United fans would ask for such heaters to be turned off on a cold December evening against Burnley.

Who's better? Real

- - -

MONEY

Real topped the Deloitte Rich List for the fourth successive year with revenues of £289.6 million, compared to United's £257.1m.

These figures were for 2007/2008 and United are likely to have closed the gap last season given all their success.

One thing that has helped Real hold off United's challenge is the current strength of the euro to the pound. Also, Real have a relationship the with banks in Spain that United could only dream off.

In real terms, both clubs are burdened with massive debts, but Real have a history of being able to write off their debts with impunity.

Who's better? Real

- - -

RECENT SUCCESS

Since the start of the Premier League in 1992, United's level of dominance in the English game cannot be disputed.

They have won 11 league titles in that period, four FA Cups and two League Cups. They have also won two European Cups and are the current world champions.

Over the same period, Real have won just six domestic titles and two Spanish Cups. But they do have the edge over United in Europe, having won the title three times.

Nevertheless, Real failed to win anything last year while United enjoyed a treble - League, League Cup, World Club Cup - before losing in the Champions League final.

Who's better? United

- - -

HISTORICAL SUCCESS

While United have ruled in recent years, Real have been a more consistently dominant force than the English side. They have won a record 31 Liga titles, a record nine European Cups and 17 Spanish Cups.

United have been catching up in recent years but have a long way to go before they can match those figures.

Who's better? Real

- - -

CURRENT SQUADS

Real's dismal defeats to Liverpool and Barcelona last season highlighted the flaws in their squad - although to be fair, United also had trouble against those teams.

The respective gaining and losing of Ronaldo certainly closes the gap, while Real's capture of Kaka strengthens them further.

But are Real not making the same mistake they made the last time Florentino Perez was in charge?

Once again they seem to be loading their team with forward talent at the expense of a leaky defence, which will be weakened further next season by the loss of Fabio Cannavaro.

It is worth remembering the last time Real Madrid signed a big player from United. They paid £25 million in 2003 to make David Beckham their latest galactico but finished only fourth the following season. It was only in Beckham's fourth season that he finally won a Liga medal.

United's defence gives them the edge and you have to suspect they will use the Ronaldo money to boost their attacking options before the start of the season too.

Who's better? United

- - -

TRADITION

Romantics in Spain are more drawn to Barcelona than Real, who have always been deemed the Francoist team with all the negative connotations that brings.

Perhaps the key event in United's history was the Munich air disaster, with the club's brave and impressive revival under Matt Busby to that tragedy winning fans far beyond the confines of Manchester.

Both sides have developed world-class players through their youth systems, but Real have more tradition buying success that United. The English champions most successful periods tend to be when they have a home-grown core in their squad.

Who's better? United

- - -

PAST PLAYERS

So many great players have adorned the red of United and the white of Real Madrid. How can you compare the likes of Edwards, Law, Charlton, Best, Cantona, Keane and Schmeichel to di Stefano, Kopa, Puskas, Butragueno, Figo, Zidane and Raul?

The answer? You can't.

Who's better? Tie

- - -

LOCATION

Warm, sunny Madrid (although it can get surprisingly cold) or wet, miserable Manchester? Delightful tapas and sangria or hot pot with a pint of Boddingtons?

Ok, we are being unfair and simplistic, but we are going to take a flyer and guess that Madrid appeals a little more than Manchester to a Portuguese boy.

Who's better? Real

- - -

MANAGER

Manuel Pellegrini is the latest in the Real Madrid hot seat. His record in South America and especially at Villarreal proves he is an excellent coach, but how long will he last at Real? One slip-up and he could be shown the door.

On the other hand, Sir Alex Ferguson IS Manchester United. Astonishingly, Pellegrini is Real Madrid's 23rd coach since Ferguson took over at Old Trafford in 1986.

Who better? United

- - -

OVERALL

We have looked at each club in 10 different categories and have United ahead in five, Real winning four, and one tie.

Our conclusion? You've made a terrible decision Cristiano.

Seán Fay / Eurosport

Comment 318 - 337 of 337

Sort comments by: Most recent

  1. @#$% both arsenal rule!!

    From Ethan, on Sat 4 Jul 12:32PM

  2. Bigger how? Debt perhaps? On that front they're­ probably the smallest teams in europe.

    From Ali G, on Fri 12 Jun 9:25PM

  3. MAN UNITED FAN HERE!!
    MAN UNITED BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD­ NO COMPARING TO ANY OTHER TEAM!!!
    RONALDO IS THE­ BIGGEST UNLOYAL @#$% IVE EVER COME ACROSS !!
    MESSAGE­ FOR DE REAL FANS..... WHEN RONALDO THINKS THAT HE HAS­ TAKEN ENOUGH MONEY AT YOUR CLUB DONT EVEN BE SURPRISED­ IF HE LEAVES!! IF FACT, IF I WERE YOU ID BE EXPECTING­ IT!!

    From bdonoghue, on Fri 12 Jun 6:44PM

  4. Now United why, because now the cheating little s**t­ has gone to Real with that other cheating ex Chelsea­ Dutchman at his side, there will be very little­ football, all play acting so football will be in short­ supply at Real next season.

    From ARTHUR, on Fri 12 Jun 6:41PM

  5. Well, well, mu make a wise choice to sell Ronaldo. With­ this money they can buy more players and also pay some­ to the debt.All the best to United and we fans from­ SINGAPORE will certainly give our support to u­ ...,.,.,.///./

    From Roger, on Fri 12 Jun 5:38PM

  6. Well, well, mu make a wise choice to sell Ronaldo. With­ this money they can buy more players and also pay some­ to the debt.All the best to United and we fans from­ SINGAPORE will certainly give our support to u­ ...,.,.,.///./

    From Roger, on Fri 12 Jun 5:38PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    whos better man united or real madrid ? the answers­ simple barcelona

    From bobbybrown321, on Fri 12 Jun 4:57PM

  8. i think manchester is much bigger because we all got­ stretched bums from our stretched bum end,so yes we are­ THE GLORY GLORY HOLE BANGERS,

    From allmanufansrgay1, on Fri 12 Jun 2:00PM

  9. I find most of the comments on here hard to read. Try­ using your spell checker before posting. A lot of the­ comments say he has just moved for the money. Isn't­ that what most of the players move clubls for. Even­ those going to United??

    From popsandeddies, on Fri 12 Jun 1:05PM

  10. Gers Fan. We must have watched a different game but as­ far as i remember both goals we lost were from ronaldo­ giving the ball away and as far as i remember a young­ 17 year old came on and won the game for us!!!

    From jeemy.wilson, on Fri 12 Jun 10:49AM

  11. Ronnie left because SAF would not swallow his @#$%­ anymore

    From hugochavezftw, on Fri 12 Jun 10:38AM

  12. At the end of last season Cristiano Ronaldo single­ handedly pulled Man Utd through games, down 2-0 at home­ to Aston Villa springs to mind, and ther wer more, had­ it not been for him then possibly the league could hav­ gone elsewhere, so any Man Utd fans who say they're­ glad that he's leaving are just bitter and jealous­ of losin him! There is no doubting he's a world­ class player who is gettin the chance to play for the­ team he supported as a kid, and he happens to be gettin­ a payrise, well a BIG payrise, if any single one of­ you's got offered a job with a bigger payrise, wud­ you turn it down.....? No, thought not!!!

    And now­ he's gone, CHELSEA for the league :)

    From Gers fan, on Fri 12 Jun 10:28AM

  13. busybee, Finally a Liverpool fan who talks some sense.­ I was just sick of Liverpool saying they are better­ than us. Years ago yes but not anymore. I agree uz have­ still won trophies but you havent won the one that you­ all crave the premiership. I remember a big white sign­ at Anfield in 93/94 saying come back when uv won 18.­ Well we have but i just think uz still cant accept we­ are better. Liverpool were good this year but not­ losing games dosent win titles. Livepool of all teams­ should no that!!!

    From jeemy.wilson, on Fri 12 Jun 10:12AM

  14. geoslix - i agree with you man utd will never be as­ bigger club than madrid or any english team in terms of­ history of winning trophys. but at this moment in time­ you are not a better side than the barcalona`s or­ liverpool`s or man utd`s, and chelsea. and to prove­ this you are spending possible about £200m this season­ on players to try and compete with these teams. but to­ say the premiereship is 2nd best to the la liga just­ because you have just spent £140m so far this season on­ 2 players and because barcelona won the champions­ league, you are the best league in the world.
    sorry,­ since 2001-02 the last time madrid won the champions­ league spanish teams have reach the final 3 times,­ compared to english 6 times.
    only to spanish team (real­ and barca) fight it out for the la liga and only­ barcelona year after year have good runs in the­ champions league, every year.
    where as the premiership­ has 4 teams every year fighting for the premiership and­ have great runs in the champions league. so just­ because madrid are splashing the euro`s, does make you­ the best league in the world.

    From LFC - REAL EUROPEAN LEGENDS., on Fri 12 Jun 10:06AM
  15. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    to the author:
    It's normal this comment of yours­ and it's obvious you're a bit frustrated and­ stressed about Ronaldo leaving MU for Real Madrid.
    You­ can not compare MU with Real Madrid for many reasons,­ which you can't see or you don't want to­ see.
    Thak you,

    From proeko_te, on Fri 12 Jun 10:05AM

  16. No question in my mind Manchester United, and Ronaldo­ as made a big big error in going now he should of­ waited another two years as Real Madrid are a long way­ behide in famous statings.But hey you can't stop a­ spoiled baby getting out of his pram..
    So Manchester­ United are bigger and for making Real Madrid wait a­ year to sign Ronaldo.
    United stood there ground in­ summer 2008 on Ronaldo good job united and for this­ they
    will become stronger in the process..
    United all­ the way!

    From newitt128, on Fri 12 Jun 10:00AM

  17. 'jeemy.wilson' - Forgive me for pointing this­ out, but although utd have been 'winning trophies­ for over 50 years', i thought you won sweet FA for­ 26 of them, including relegation to division 2? If­ liverpool have not won anything for 30 years, that­ takes us back to 1979.­ I am sure they have won 3­ european cups, 7 league titles, 7 league cups, 1 uefa­ cup & 5 FA cups since then... fair enough, we have­ not won the premiership trophy yet but it is a bit much­ to say thay have not done anything for 30 years!

    From busybee, on Fri 12 Jun 9:54AM

  18. Geoslix - I think you'll find Real are the only­ joke here... 8 managers in five years against 1 in 23­ yrs???? it's a no brainer. The directors and owners­ at Real have no patience at all and the attention spans­ of a fly....either that or they're judgement sucks­ in which it begs the question should they actually be­ directors/owners in the first place , and how in­ god's name did they get to where they are - because­ man management certainly ain't they're­ strongpoint.

    From Gizmo1, on Fri 12 Jun 9:47AM

  19. LFC - REAL EUROPEAN LEGENDS

    Yeah 30 years ago mate.­ United have been winning trophies for over 50 years­ mate is that not a long period of time. Fair enough­ Liverpool were great 30 years ago but what have you­ done in the modern era. NOTHING Its funny how Liverpool­ fans go on about past glories constantly when most of­ there so called fans werent even alive yet. Bottom line­ is in the last 25 years we are better than you get over­ it!!!

    From jeemy.wilson, on Fri 12 Jun 9:44AM

  20. i find it funny that liverpool fans will only speak of­­ football that spans a whole 100 plus years. they­ think­ football of recent results have no significance. i­ wonder­ why?.

    i do understand the significance of past­ glory, and i do show my uttermost repect to fans of­ those clubs, but also hope they could show some respect­ to our recent success and not held their heads high and­ say they are better over a million year run.

    From Vitor, on Fri 12 Jun 9:43AM
Sort comments by: Most recent

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account