Five classic Liverpool-Man United matches as the two clubs resume fierce rivalry

Sport360 staff 08:30 13/10/2017
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  • Manchester United travel to Liverpool on Saturday in a resumption of one of the world’s biggest derbies, as England’s two most successful clubs share a rivalry that spans more than the short distance between Old Trafford and Anfield.

    Here’s a look at five classic matches between the two fierce rivals.

    United 2 Liverpool 1, 1977

    Over 20 years before United became the first team to complete the treble, Liverpool had the chance to pull off the feat. They came into the FA Cup final having sealed the league title, and would go on to win the European Cup four days later. But at Wembley, United had other ideas.

    Lou Macari’s deflected winner won the FA Cup for the Red Devils as they ruined their rivals’ chances of winning the treble.

    21st May 1977: Brian Greenhoff (centre) lifting the FA Cup with his brother Jimmy who scored Manchester United's second and winning goal in the final against Liverpool at Wembley. (Photo by Roger Jackson/Central Press/Getty Images)

    United denied Liverpool the Treble in 1977.

    Liverpool 2 United 1, 1983

    The 80s was virtually a lost decade for United, while Liverpool reigned supreme in both England and Europe. It was a painful time for Red Devils fans, and Liverpool punctuated their misery at the old Wembley Stadium in 1983.

    Ronnie Whelan’s delightful curled winner sealed the Reds’ third consecutive League Cup in Bob Paisley’s last season in charge.

    Apr 1983: Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool in action during the Milk Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London. Liverpool won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tony Duffy/Allsport

    Kenny Dalglish and company were too good for United at Wembley in 1983.

    Liverpool 3 United 3, 1994

    If the 80s was United’s lost decade, the 90s ended up on a similar note for Liverpool. An immensely talented team always seemed to fall short in their challenges for trophies, a fact made harder to bear by United’s resurgence and subsequent dominance. The decade threw up some classic encounters between the two rivals, with this one of the best of the lot.

    United raced into a 3-0 lead after just 25 minutes at Anfield, but Nigel Clough scored two before Neil Ruddock’s equaliser.

    Neil Ruddock of Liverpool heads in the third goal against Manchester United as Paul Ince looks on, Anfield Liverpool, 4th January 1994. The Premier League game went on to finish 3 - 3. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

    Neil Ruddock headed in a late goal to rescue a point from 3-0 down for Liverpool.

    United 2 Liverpool 1, 1999

    This was United’s fairytale season, but the treble talk could have been nipped in the bud by their fiercest rivals. Liverpool took an early lead at Old Trafford thanks to a 2nd-minute goal from Michael Owen, then held on and looked set for victory.

    United’s treble dream looked sunk but late Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goals sealed an FA Cup 4th round win.

    24 Jan 1999: Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel celebrates during the FA Cup fourth round clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. United won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Ross Kinnaird /Allsport

    Peter Schmeichel celebrated the first of many famous United comebacks in 1999.

    United 1 Liverpool 4, 2009

    The last time these two sides were pitted against each other in a title race, and this clash was set to be a pivotal one. United fans won’t ever forget this Old Trafford humiliation, which included goals from Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena.

    However, they had the last laugh as after a slight wobble, United held on to win the league. Liverpool wouldn’t come this close for another five years.

    Liverpool's Italian defender Andrea Dossena (R) is congratulated by Dutch forward Ryan Babel after scoring the final goal against Manchester United during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England on March 14, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES - FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY Additional licence required for any commercial/promotional use or use on TV or internet (except identical online version of newspaper) of Premier League/Football League photos. Tel DataCo +44 207 2981656. Do not alter/modify photo. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)

    Andrea Dossena added the icing on the cake in Liverpool’s 4-1 win at Old Trafford

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