Why I hate... Manchester United

BBC legend John Peel explains that his loathing for Manchester United dates back to his school days.

Radio One DJ John Peel is a very happy man.

The BBC legend has spent the last four decades being paid to play records and unearth fresh talent.

My prejudice against United has been lifelong

John Peel

But even that cannot compare to Liverpool beating Manchester United.

The latest victory at Anfield was their fourth in a row against their fierce rivals and Peel is certainly losing no sleep over United's recent slump.

He told Five Live's Nicky Campbell: "At the first boarding school I went to, there were about 80 boys.

"Seventy eight of them supported United, I supported Liverpool and there was one boy who wasn't interested in football.

"So my prejudice against United has been lifelong."

Joy

The 3-1 win at Anfield on Sunday took Liverpool to second place in the Premiership, four points clear of Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

But for Peel, simply beating United is everything.

"The results of the last four times we've played them has given me almost more joy than anything since the birth of my children," he stated.

But he is not getting carried away with United's apparent demise, after recalling his side finding themselves in a similar situation some years ago.

Could Liverpool be returning to the glory days?

"There was a wonderful season when Liverpool were lying 14th or 15th around this stage of the campaign," he explained.

"Then they started a long march up the table and ended up as champions again.

"So while both Liverpool and Leeds are looking good, it's a little too early to write Manchester United off."

You can almost hear the words sticking in his throat.