Top Ten: Liverpool v Man Utd

Last updated: 17th March 2008

Grand Slam Sunday

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Ahead of Grand Slam Sunday we look back at the best games between the North-West's great rivals.

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1 - March 1983

The two North-West sides have never liked one another but this dramatic League Cup final sealed the rivalry as United were left devastated. After taking a first-half lead through Norman Whiteside, United were stripped down to the walking wounded. It looked as though it was going to be mission accomplished for United manager Ron Atkinson, but then Alan Kennedy sent the game into extra-time and Ronnie Whelan won it for Liverpool with a sublime curling effort.

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2 - April 1985

United were eyeing cup revenge and where better to do so than the home of Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton. Goodison Park was the setting as United eyed retribution for their League Cup final defeat two years earlier and this time the competition was the illustrious FA Cup. The script appeared perfectly crafted for the settling of scores and things got even better for United as Mark Hughes put his side in front with four minutes remaining, but Whelan sent the game into extra-time to create a nasty United feeling of déjà vu. Frank Stapleton, though, put the Red Devils in front again, only for his side to be pegged back in the final seconds when Paul Walsh grabbed a lifeline. However, United were to succeed in the replay as they recorded a 2-1 victory.

Liverpool 3 Manchester United 3 - April 1988

United travelled to Anfield 11 points adrift of champions-elect Liverpool, but the Red Devils still harboured hopes of overhauling their rivals. These hopes received a boost when Bryan Robson put United in front. However, in a whirlwind spell either side of half-time, Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie and Steve McMahon netted for Liverpool. Robson dragged United back into the game with his second, only for the dismissal of Colin Gibson to deal them a potentially fatal blow. Gordon Strachan had other ideas though, grabbing an equaliser 12 minutes from time.

Liverpool 3 Manchester United 3 - January 1994

Arguably the game which always springs to mind when this fixture rears its head on the Premier League schedule. This was to be the season United stamped their authority on the English top flight as they went on to defend their league title and Liverpool, who previously held the footballing monopoly, languished. However, it was the Anfield outfit who left this encounter with their heads held highest. United stormed into an early 3-0 lead courtesy of Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and a Denis Irwin free-kick, however Nigel Clough - in possibly his finest Liverpool hour - hit a superb brace in front of the Kop before Neil Ruddock bravely headed home late on.

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2 - October 1995

This was the stage for the return of United legend Eric Cantona after the mercurial Frenchman's infamous suspension for entering the Selhurst Park crowd in Bruce Lee style almost 10 months earlier. However, 'King' Eric - who quit football in 1997 to take up a career in acting - was very nearly upstaged as Liverpool striker Robbie 'God' Fowler's virtuoso display almost stole the show. Cantona showed an early sign of his taste for the dramatic as he played in Nicky Butt for an opener after two minutes, but Fowler then smashed past Peter Schmeichel before sublimely lobbing the United goalkeeper to give Liverpool the lead. Cantona, though, ensured his place at the top of the bill as he hit home a 71st minute penalty equaliser before twirling around the goal stanchion in a style to make any thespian proud.

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 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 goal scoring 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 2 Liverpool 1 - January 1999

This was United's invincible treble winning season and Liverpool felt the full force of their host's refusal to know when they were beaten in this FA Cup clash. Michael Owen gave Liverpool an early lead at Old Trafford and the Reds looked set to progress to the fifth round. But with just two minutes remaining, Dwight Yorke levelled before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lived up to his 'baby faced assassin' nickname and gave an indication of his late goal scoring ability, which was to be seen in the UEFA Champions League final that season, to send United through and break Liverpool hearts.

Liverpool 2 Manchester United 2 - May 1999

United were locked in a head-to-head battle with Arsenal for the Premier League title and faced the less than enviable task of travelling to Anfield to face a Liverpool side with little left to play for in the season other than denying the Red Devils success and avenging their earlier FA Cup defeat. United, though, appeared unflustered as a first half Yorke goal gave them the lead before Irwin doubled the advantage from the penalty spot on 56 minutes. Liverpool were handed a lifeline when Jamie Redknapp hit home a controversial penalty to start Anfield rocking and Irwin then received his marching orders in equally dubious style to give the Kop a scent of a point. Former United ace Paul Ince duly obliged as he fired an equaliser with one minute remaining. United, though, were to have the last laugh as they went on to pip Arsenal to the title by one point.

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, almost exactly seven years to this Sunday's clash, 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 and Uefa Cups.

Liverpool 3 Manchester United 1 - November 2001

United had strolled to Premier league glory the previous season and finished 11 points clear of Liverpool in third place, however the Merseyside outfit had shocked the defending champions in this season's curtain raising Community Shield. United, therefore, travelled to Anfield intent on setting the record straight and reminding their hosts who held the mantle of defending champions. Liverpool, though, were not prepared to roll over as Michael Owen handed them a 32nd minute lead before John Arne Riise fired in a memorable free-kick seven minutes later. Beckham brought United back into the game on 50 minutes, but Owen added his second one minute later to seal a comprehensive Liverpool victory.

Comments

Paul Hewson (Manchester United fan) says...

Still the biggest game in the season despite the mockneys saying otherwise. I dislike the scousers with a passion but have to say that they have been unlucky in the games against us recently. But it makes up for Dalglish getting that dodgy penalty in the league cup at Anfield in the early 80's!

Posted 21:54 3rd July 2008

Mark Kasozimusoke (Liverpool fan) says...

Man Utd's success has escalated since the formation of the Premier League. Prior to the Premiership's inception they were only a minor force. Full credit to Ferguson on his immense achievements but many fans, former players, journalists and pundits don't rate him as a tactician. Two European cups(neither of them audacious) in 16 seasons, three final appearances and only three European trophies in 21 years is not a particularly great return given the playing staff and the huge amounts spent during that period of time. The majority of recent Man Utd victories or home draws have come about after very favourable refereeing decisions which have immediately disadvantaged Liverpool. As far back as Jan 1999, Solskjaer's winning FA Cup goal came from a very dubious free-kick. Houllier consistently outwitted Fergie and the results were awesome. Paul Edwards is correct, Benitez has not yet worked out how to beat his Scottish oponent. However the most recent win at Anfield was actually a fluke, Fergie virtually admitted as much. United were completely battered which has been a rare occurence in recent years!

Posted 18:09 6th June 2008

Xavier Provencal (Manchester United fan) says...

liverpool is the past and man utd the present and the future ..man utd is another level of liverpool now

Posted 07:40 20th May 2008

Neil Williams (Liverpool fan) says...

Liverpool = Most successful English team EVER !! Forget the head to heads between us, trophies are what count !!

Posted 17:27 19th May 2008

Jordy Kay (Liverpool fan) says...

Liverpool didn't get trashed 3-0. That was because of a red card for masch, which was highly debatable.

Posted 16:27 19th May 2008

Peter Rigo (Manchester United fan) says...

What about the John O'Shea goal at Anfield?

Posted 15:32 23rd April 2008

Tanveer M (Manchester United fan) says...

What about 3-0 to Man Utd? Liverpool got thrashed so let's show it!

Posted 21:21 1st April 2008

Hamzah Rahim (Manchester United fan) says...

How about the 3-2 victory at Anfield when the scousers scored two own goals!! or the 3-1 on new years day 1989 and that awesome 4-0 in 2002/03 dont care if Hyppia was sent off, dont give away pens in future!

Posted 12:41 1st April 2008

Nick Hastie (Manchester United fan) says...

I am surprised last seasons encounter at Anfield didn't make the list. It had everything. Great goalkeeping (Van Der Sar on Crouches volley), disallowed goals (Bellamy), injuries (Rooney), violence and red cards (Scholes for his punch at Alonso) and late drama, seemingly an important part of United/Liverpool games with Ronaldos free kick being put away by O'Shea! May have been low scoring but, as I was in a pub with a Liverpool fan, it was a very exciting, tense game right to the 93rd minute!

Posted 10:44 19th March 2008

Paul Edwards (Liverpool fan) says...

The 4-0 win was only because of an early Hyppia sending off which wasnt, so to beat Liverpool 4-0 with 12 against 10 is no great achievement! The battles have always been exciting and tense. However since Rafa has been in charge Fergie has mastered how Man U can score against Liverpool's static zonal marking and in the last 3 seasons Man U have won, the goals have all come from set pieces. If Liverpool can get their set play defending right then its possible we may not lose for a change!

Posted 09:28 19th March 2008

Alex L (Liverpool fan) says...

The other two Liverpool 1-0 wins at Old Trafford were right up there. 3 in 4 years I believe when Danny Murphy snatched the winners.

Posted 08:26 19th March 2008

Trevor Wallis (Manchester United fan) says...

How about the 1977 FA Cup Final........good game all round irrespective of the result.

Posted 05:38 19th March 2008

Kyle Elliot (Leeds United fan) says...

The Man U vs Liverpool FA Cup final - where Cantona Scored the winner?! That was one of the dullest FA Cup finals I've ever watched! Great goal, don't get me wrong, Cantona's a favourite player of mine, and obviously bagging the double means a lot to the club but the match on the whole wasn't really action-packed...

Posted 16:52 18th March 2008

Lee Bragg (Liverpool fan) says...

What about the Peter Beardsley inspired 4-0 drubbing at Anfield. "Sealy what;s the score, Sealy, Sealy what's the score"..Priceless

Posted 13:35 18th March 2008

Graeme Nash (Liverpool fan) says...

What about 4-0 to liverpool when Beardsley scored hat-trick?

Posted 13:32 18th March 2008

Dean Mcnally (Sunderland fan) says...

what about the fa cup final when cantona scored the winner that has to be in there??!!!

Posted 13:24 18th March 2008

Charles Mtukulo (Manchester United fan) says...

what about the results in 2001/2002,2002/2003,2003/4,2004/05,2005/6,2006/7?

Posted 06:31 18th March 2008

Shane Brown (Manchester United fan) says...

FA Cup final of 96 has to also have a mention! We won the double beating Liverpool in the last 5 minutes and it was fitting that we won it with a superb goal from Cantona who was in his 1st season back after his ban. The ball was behind him and he still managed to swivel and hit it on the half volley past James!Quality!

Posted 22:38 17th March 2008

Jim Boy (Manchester United fan) says...

What about when United won 4-0 at old trafford a few seasons back... golden.

Posted 20:58 17th March 2008

Jim Boy (Manchester United fan) says...

what about when united won 4-0 at old trafford a few seasons back... golden.

Posted 20:58 17th March 2008

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