5 Classic Man United vs Liverpool Games

For our money, Man United vs Liverpool is still the Premier League’s biggest match by some distance. 

These two have played out some real classics over the years. So we’ve decided to look back on five particularly tasty encounters between these massive rivals. 

Let’s kick things off with a day Jamie Carragher won’t thank us for mentioning!

Carragher’s Nightmare At Anfield

Before Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville worked together on Sky, these two slugged it out in many Liverpool-United games.

Carragher’s most memorable contribution to the rivalry was 2 goals in the 1999/00 clash at Anfield. Which, unfortunately for him, were both scored in his own net. 

In a nightmare first-half, the Liverpool defender scored two own goals. Which along with an Andy Cole strike gave Man United a 3-1 lead at half-time.

A Patrick Berger goal in the 68th minute promised a late rally by Liverpool. But Alex Ferguson’s United side held on for a vital 3-2 victory at their fiercest rivals.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for United over the years, though. As this next game proves. 

Liverpool’s Title Charge Gets Serious

Remember how good Liverpool were in 2014? 

It all ended in tragedy, but the Reds only missed out on the league by a whisper. Largely thanks to the leadership of Gerrard and the frightening talent of players like Coutinho, Suarez, and Sterling. 

On the way, Liverpool smashed a dismal United side 3-0 at Old Trafford. A game that appeared to set Liverpool up for a huge title charge in the last 8 games. While hinting at a long and painful transition period for United after Alex Ferguson.

Steven Gerrard set the tone with two penalties in the first half and a big kiss for the television cameras. Before Luis Suarez rubbed it in with a third goal in the second half. 

To put it lightly, this wasn’t a good day at the office for Fergie’s successor David Moyes - who’d only last 5 more weeks in the Old Trafford hot seat.

Diego Has A Party At Anfield

Back to happier times for United now. As we revisit Diego Forlan’s quickfire double at Anfield in December 2002.

A tense game on Merseyside came to life in the 65th minute, as the Uruguayan striker pounced twice in quick succession. 

The first goal came after a comical error from Jerzey Dudek set Forlan up in front of an open goal. The second goal, scored just two minutes later, wasn’t Dudek’s finest moment either. 

As Forlan ran on to a Ryan Giggs through ball, and beat the Polish keeper at his near post with an early shot. Forlan’s heroics were enough to secure a 2-1 win for the Red Devils. In a season where they pipped Arsenal to the title on the final day.

Classy Berbatov Wins It For United

Let’s face it, Dimitar Berbatov was the absolute bee's knees. And his performance against Liverpool in September 2010 must rank high in the Bulgarian’s favourites.

In a real Premier League classic, Liverpool fought back from two Berbatov goals to gain a sniff of victory with 20 minutes left.

But in the end, it was all about the classy Bulgarian. Berba’s overhead kick for his second goal was one for the ages. But his third - a header from a John O’Shea cross - was one that really nailed down his place as a United fan favourite. 

United went on to seal the league title. In a season where Berbatov ended as joint top-scorer with Carlos Tevez. Those were the days, United fans.

Klopp's Liverpool Put Mourinho To The Sword

It’s fair to say Liverpool and Man United have been on different trajectories over the past few years. A situation that Liverpool stamped home in December 2018 at Anfield.

A Xherdan Shaqiri double gave Klopp’s men a 3-1 win in the pelting rain. But if Allison hadn’t gifted Jesse Lingard an equaliser 30 minutes in, the scoreline would have been a fairer reflection of the game.

Mourinho’s side offered little and simply couldn’t deal with Liverpool’s physicality. Which led to the Portuguese giving a remarkably resigned interview after the game. 

This interview turned out to be Jose’s last in the United dugout - which just goes to show how damaging a big loss to Liverpool is for those in power at Old Trafford. Could a similar result on October 24th spell the end for Solskjaer? We’ll have to wait and see.