Sir, - In her review of Alex Ferguson's book Managing My Life (Books, August 21st), Arminta Wallace states that the young Ferguson "grew up to be the most successful manager of the most successful football club in the world". While I don't deny that he has been Manchester United's most successful manager, I must take issue with the latter part of her statement. The record books show that Liverpool Football Club has been far more successful.
To date, Liverpool has won 18 league championships to Manchester Utd's 12. In Europe the scores read: European Cups - Liverpool 4, Man Utd 2; UEFA Cups - Liverpool 2, Man Utd 0; Cup-Winners' Cups - Liverpool 0, Man Utd 1. In the FA Cup Manchester Utd lead Liverpool by nine trophies to five. However, the Merseysiders beat the Mancunians in League Cup victories - five without reply. It is clear, therefore, that although Manchester Utd has enjoyed many victories in the 1990s, Liverpool has been the most successful English football club in history. I specify English, as I am sure there are many clubs in Madrid, Amsterdam, Rio and other great centres of football which could also lay claim to being the most successful football club in the world.
Ms Wallace's application of this title to Manchester Utd is in keeping with the extraordinary media hype which has surrounded the club since its treble win of last season. It may be the most successful football business in the world, but it has some way to go before it can be called the world's most successful club. - Yours, etc.,
Richard Burke, Springfield Court, Ennis, Co Clare.