United are once again looking to trump the Reds' 18 league titles, whilst Liverpool would be happy simply to gain some positive momentum as they build on a difficult start to the season. A trip to Old Trafford represents the perfect chance to do just that, and gives the likes of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and co the chance to further carve their name into the history books of this great fixture.
Goal.com looks at the best Liverpool victories from English football's fiercest rivalry.
Manchester United 1 Liverpool 4Premier League, March 2009 It was supposed to be the day United put Rafael Benitez and Liverpool firmly in their place. The Spaniard’s comments about Sir Alex Ferguson six weeks earlier had seemingly backfired, as Liverpool relinquished the lead of the Premier League title to a United side breaking all kinds of defensive records.
But, despite going a goal down to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, Liverpool ruled the roost on a sun-blessed day in Manchester. Fernando Torres mugged Nemanja Vidic to level, and Steven Gerrard converted a penalty of his own, after he was tripped by Patrice Evra. Gerrard later found himself hauled down by Vidic within sight of goal, the Serb was sent off and Fabio Aurelio compounded his misery by whipping in the subsequent free-kick. As if to add insult to injury, rarely-seen Andrea Dossena emerged from the bench to loft a late fourth, as Liverpool supporters marched out of Old Trafford to a delirious chorus of “Rafa’s cracking up”.
High Five | Torres mocks United fans last season
It seems a lifetime ago now, but back in 1992 it was Manchester United who were desperately seeking to end an embarrassingly long stint without a league title. The Red Devils had not won the championship since 1967, but had looked odds on to end their drought as they led the table for most of the 1991/92 season.
But, lacking the experience and mental strength that would later be their forte, United collapsed after Christmas, allowing unfancied Leeds United to steal the initiative. Ferguson’s men headed to Anfield needing a win to have any hope of winning the title, but succumbed to goals from Mark Walters and Ian Rush – his first against United. It would be worth it in the long-run for United fans, though it was hard to imagine at the time.
Manchester United 0 Liverpool 1Premier League, December 2000
Gerard Houllier loved to portray Liverpool as underdogs during his time at Anfield, but where Manchester United were concerned, there could be little doubt. The Reds had not beaten their fierce rivals at Old Trafford for ten years, and had not recorded a win of any kind in five, but Houllier’s brand of pragmatism was about to reap rewards.
Danny Murphy’s first-half free-kick, awarded after a bizarre handball by Gary Neville, settled the match, but Liverpool could have had more. Michael Owen (remember him?) hit the bar, and Vladimir Smicer might have netted had he not been dragged down by Luke Chadwick when clean through. Chadwick was sent off, to compound a miserable day for United. Liverpool would later complete the double over them with a Steven Gerrard-inspired win at Anfield.
Murphy's Law | Super Dan strikes in 2001
Liverpool were out for revenge in March 1983, and they got it. Six years after Manchester United had ruined the Reds’ hopes of a ‘treble’ with a 2-1 win in the FA Cup final, the two sides again advanced to Wembley, this time to contest the Milk Cup in front of around 100,000 spectators.
United were seen by many as the ‘cup kings’ of the era – and would win the FA Cup later that season – whilst Liverpool were the league champions and the dominant force in English football. Nevertheless, it was United who would take the lead through an 18-year-old called Norman Whiteside. Liverpool toiled, and Bruce Grobbelaar might have been sent-off for a clash with Gordon McQueen, but Alan Kennedy popped up with a 25-yard equaliser, and in extra-time Ronnie Whelan curled home an iconic strike to win the game. Bob Paisley, leading the Reds in his last ever final, collected the trophy. He would be replaced by Joe Fagan at the end of that season.
Manchester United 0 Liverpool 3Division One, December 1978
Until Fernando Torres and co ran riot at the Theatre of Dreams two seasons ago, this was the benchmark for away performances at Old Trafford. Liverpool were in the midst of an awe-inspiring season, chastened by the surrender of the league title to Nottingham Forest. They spent most of the 1978/79 season playing champagne football, no matter where they went.
At Old Trafford, they were dominant. United had a useful side with the likes of Frank Stapleton, Steve Coppell and Martin Buchan, but Liverpool were top dogs. Ray Kennedy, Kenny Dalglish and David Fairclough were all on target as Dave Sexton’s side were swatted aside. It was sweet revenge for the Reds, who had been beaten by United in the FA Cup semi-final the previous season.
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