Top ten Red v Red

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Skysports.com counts down ten memorable games between Liverpool and Manchester United over the years

One of the greatest rivalries in football will resume on Saturday when Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield.

Whichever group of supporters manages to secure North West bragging rights for the next few months, it promises to be the latest in a series of thrilling fixtures.

There have been so many classic encounters over the years that narrowing it down to the ten best of all time would be a mind-boggling exercise, so skysports.com is instead recalling some of the most memorable since the Premier League started.

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2 - October 1992

The rivalry was already well-established by the time the sides met for the first time in the new-look Premier League, serving up a thrilling four-goal draw at Old Trafford. Don Hutchison and Ian Rush fired Liverpool into a 2-0 lead at half-time and it looked like the points were safe as they held firm until deep into the second period. But as is so often the case in these games there was late drama, with Mark Hughes reducing United's arrears in the 78th minute and then netting an equaliser just before the final whistle.

Liverpool 3 Manchester United 3 - January 1994

United were undeniably the dominant force in English football at this time as they defended their league title and Liverpool slumped to a disappointing eighth-placed finish, but the Anfield outfit still raised their game for this midwinter cracker. Such a scoreline had appeared unthinkable when United roared into a three-goal lead thanks to Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and a Denis Irwin free-kick, but Nigel Clough struck twice to set up a rousing finale and Neil Ruddock headed home late on to cap a remarkable fightback.

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2 - October 1995

Another classic which ended all square as flamboyant Frenchman Eric Cantona took centre stage on his return from a ten-month suspension for his infamous attack on a fan at Selhurst Park. The United legend set up Nicky Butt for an early opener but then faded out of the limelight as Robbie Fowler produced the sort of sublime performance that was a common occurrence during his Liverpool heyday, scoring twice to put the visitors in front. But ultimately it was Cantona who had the last laugh, slotting home a penalty to salvage a precious point.

Liverpool 1 Manchester United 3 - April 1997

It is not often Liverpool supporters are silenced at their Anfield home but it was the 'we won the league on Merseyside' chants of the United faithful which could be heard loudest after this encounter. As the end of the season approached this nerve-wrenching encounter saw top of the table United travel to second placed Liverpool with the winner psychologically taking all. Gary Pallister headed in a David Beckham cross to give United the lead before John Barnes equalised for Liverpool. However, United defender Pallister then repeated his goalscoring heroics and a howler from Liverpool goalkeeper David James handed Andy Cole the simple task of hitting United's third to give Sir Alex Ferguson's side the points and, effectively, the title.

Manchester United 0 Liverpool 1 - December 2000

The previous season to this Old Trafford clash Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier had stated: "We will beat them one day, I promise you that." Liverpool had gone ten games without success against United but Houllier proved to be a man of his word as he led Liverpool to a textbook smash and grab performance. Danny Murphy curled in a delicate free-kick two minutes before half-time and Liverpool then clung on for the Premier League points and went on to record their own treble as they enjoyed success in the league, FA Cup and Uefa Cup.

Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1 - November 2001

The atmosphere at these games is always special but on this occasion the Anfield faithful were in better voice than ever to rally their troops. Houllier had just fallen ill and Liverpool were in need of a lift. They responded with a wonderful performance as Michael Owen struck twice and John Arne Riise smashed in a spectacular free-kick, meaning David Beckham's effort was mere consolation.

Manchester United 4 Liverpool 0 - April 2003

An unusually one-sided affair as the Red Devils ran riot at home. Ruud van Nistelrooy did much of the damage with a brace of penalties, while Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also scored. The writing was on the wall as early as the fifth minute when Sami Hyypia was sent off for a foul in the box and Van Nistelrooy tucked away his first spot-kick. Liverpool managed to stay in the game for another hour before the Dutchman netted again to completely kill off the contest.

Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0 - March 2008

United closed in on another title with a dominant display at home, and again the match turned on a Liverpool player being sent off. Javier Mascherano was the man given his marching orders this time after a foolish show of dissent just before half-time, although Wes Brown had already opened the scoring. Cristiano Ronaldo headed home United's second late on but there was still time for Portuguese compatriot Nani to pile on more misery with a fine finish.

Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4 - March 2009

Liverpool overturned the reigning champions at Old Trafford to claim one of their finest results in recent years, with Fernando Torres at his brilliant best to inspire an emphatic win. United took control early on thanks to a Ronaldo penalty but the Merseysiders came storming back thanks to goals from Fernando Torres, who tormented Nemanja Vidic all afternoon, Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena. The result reignited Liverpool's title hopes, although ultimately they fell just short as United held their nerve.

Manchester United 3 Liverpool 2 - September 2010

The teams produced another classic when they last met in the league earlier this season, with Dimitar Berbatov scoring a superb hat-trick to stave off a rousing Reds fightback and clinch all three points for United. The Bulgarian may not be guaranteed a starting spot at Anfield this Sunday but he has enjoyed a magnificent season and his performance here was one of the highlights. Having headed home the opener, Berbatov made it 2-0 with a sensational overhead kick, only for Steven Gerrard to pull Liverpool level with an expertly-taken penalty and free-kick. Berbatov had the final say, though, as he rose well to beat Jamie Carragher in the air and seal United's success.

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