Manchester United against Liverpool is one of the most storied rivalries in English football. A rivalry born out of both success and geographical location. Both teams have had to look over at their fierce rivals enjoying periods of sustained success. While each team holds a positive record at their own ground, Manchester United’s record at Anfield is still one of the best for a visiting team. With 23 wins, 19 draws and 39 losses, United have participated in some epic battles when visiting their foes from down the M62, here are five of the best for United at Anfield.
Liverpool 3-3 Manchester United 4th April 1988
Sir Alex Ferguson’s second visit to Anfield, in his first full season in charge, saw United travel to Liverpool in second place in the First Division, eleven points adrift of their hosts. United led through an early Bryan Robson goal, but goals from Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie and Steve McMahon saw Liverpool establish a 3-1 lead just after the half-time break. But in a manner that would become very familiar to United fans throughout Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Old Trafford, United showed great strength of character and fought back to earn a draw with a second from Robson and an equalizer from Gordon Strachan.
Liverpool 3-3 Manchester United 4th January 1994
Another 3-3 draw followed six years later, but this time it would be Liverpool’s turn to show character. United, on the back of winning their first title in 26 years, were looking to retain their title. Liverpool, on the other hand, were struggling in mid table, struggles that would see them replace manager Graham Souness less than a month after United’s visit. United raced into an early lead with goals from Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin giving them a 3-0 lead after 23 minutes. A brace from Nigel Clough brought the score back to 3-2 before half time with Neil Ruddock completing the comeback just over ten minutes from time.
Liverpool 1-3 Manchester United 19th April 1997
United and Liverpool entered this game both fighting for the Premiership title, United two points ahead of their rivals. Three first half goals from corners, two from Gary Pallister for United and one from John Barnes for Liverpool, gave United a 2-1 half-time lead. United extended their lead in the second half after David James misjudged a David Beckham cross leaving Andrew Cole with a simple tap in. The win gave United a five point lead at the top of the table and the impetus to go on and win their fourth title in five years.
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United 1st December 2002
Another goalkeeping error gave United the edge in their 2002 encounter. The culprit on this occasion was Polish keeper Jerzy Dudek. Fumbling a Jamie Carragher headed back pass through his legs, Dudek could do nothing but turn and watch as Diego Forlán nipped in behind him to score one of the easiest of his seventeen Manchester United goals. Just three minutes later Forlán struck again, with a more conventional strike; played through by Ryan Giggs, Forlán struck low to beat Dudek at his near post. Liverpool attempted to mount a late comeback, with Sami Hyypia striking late on, however a late save from goalkeeper Fabien Barthez denied Dietmar Hamann, securing all three points for United.
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United 3rd March 2007
United edged a very tight encounter that could have easily been a defeat in a tense affair that saw Paul Scholes sent off for lashing out after a clash with Xabi Alonso. Edwin van der Sar produced heroics at the back and Craig Bellamy had an effort ruled out for offside, while Louis Saha could have earned United a penalty at the other end but referee Martin Atkinson waved away appeals. With Scholes sent off four minutes from the final whistle United could have been forgiven for settling for a point. However an injury time free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo caused chaos in the Liverpool penalty area with John O’Shea smashing home from close range to see United collect all three points.
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