Manchester United vs. Liverpool: 10 Games That Define the Rivalry

What defines a rivalry?

Is it the heightened expectation before every game? Is it the intangibles: the increased fear of losing and embarrassment at the hands of 11 men you've probably never met?

Or is it the actual game? The physical embodiment of emotions that could only be expressed by kicking proverbial lumps out of the opposition and winning, while receiving those precious bragging rights for at least a couple of months. 

The red half of both Liverpool and Manchester come together for at least two games a season.

And that's enough for any fan's nerves.

A rivalry that goes back to the Industrial Age is now incarnated in a football ground where friends become enemies, family become foe and only one objective becomes priority: an unequivocal victory.

Here are 10 games that define this colossal rivalry.   

Manchester United 2, Liverpool 2 (Premier League, October 1995)

When Legends Collide

Robbie Fowler and Eric Cantona were the fans' representatives on the pitch.  

This game was the first game back for "The King" from his ban after his Karate Kid audition at Selhurst Park. And it had all the drama to celebrate the return.

Kop legend and quintessential Scouser, Robbie Fowler, seemed set to ruin the party with two excellent goals. He ran the United defence ragged that day.

Cantona wasn't to be eclipsed, however. He slotted home a second-half penalty and hopped toward the crowd but this time provided a spot of pole dancing, rather than dancing on somebody's face.

Manchester United 1, Liverpool 4 (Premier League, March 2009)

Torres Terrorises

A win that should have propelled the Reds onto their first Premier League title, Liverpool came and turned the Theatre of Dreams into the Backstreet of Nightmares.

Especially for Nemanja Vidic.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the spot, until the long ball that will haunt Vidic for the rest of his life spiraled over his head and was put away by Fernando Torres. Yes, Torres did once upon a time score goals.

Then Gerrard gave the camera a smooch after another penalty, Aurelio hit a free kick and Dossena ended the rout with a lob over Edwin van der Sar.

The game cost Vidic a Player of the Year award and nearly cost United the title, but this is what rivalries are all about.

One team showing no mercy, humiliating their eternal enemy. 

Manchester United 1, Liverpool 0 (Premier League, January 2006)

Gary Neville Is a Red

Quite a boring game if truth be told until the 90th when Rio Ferdinand nodded in a header to win the game in front of the Stretford End.

All the players joined in for jubilant celebration with the big defender. Well, except for one.

"Mr. Manchester United," Gary Neville, ran back toward the Liverpool away section with his chest out and his hands flailing. 

He pulled at his shirt, kissed the badge and was just short of causing a riot. Neville apparently "hates Scousers," and the feeling is mutual.

A mutual hatred expressed in the best possible way.

Liverpool 3, Manchester United 3 (First Division, April 1988)

We All Love a Comeback

Relatively early into Sir Alex Ferguson's United adventure, a trip to Anfield was in the cards. Victory was vital for United, who needed the points to keep the slim chance of league success alive.

It didn't go to plan, and the Red Devils were down 2-1 at halftime, after going a goal ahead.

The United players came out from the break with their hairs dried and clawed it back to 3-3 by full time.

After Gordon Strachan riled the Anfield crowd up with a cheeky celebration, tackles started to fly in. Commitment was at its highest, and Red Mist descended doubly.

A derby at its finest. 

Manchester United 2, Liverpool 1 (FA Cup Fourth Round, January 1999)

Last-Minute Drama

A season when United consistently pulled games out of the bag, the 1998-99 season was a year of late comebacks and dramatic winners.

Liverpool were fantastic and really looked to be winning until a late Dwight Yorke equalizer, and then an even later Solskjaer winner ended the tie at Old Trafford.

The defining moment of that season is rightly seen as the two late goals in Barcelona, but it was goals like this that kept the dream alive.

Goals like this are remembered by fans for years. 

Liverpool 2, Manchester United 1 (League Cup Final, March 1983)

Emotional Day For Liverpool

Norman Whiteside had put United ahead until 15 minutes from the end, when Alan Kennedy equalized and sent the game to extra time.

In typical Liverpool style, Ronnie Whelan notched a winner in the eight minute of extra time. 

What now began was an emotional farewell by Bob Paisley.

This was the great man's last major final, and it was fitting to see Liverpool come away with the trophy.

Liverpool 2, Manchester United 2 (FA Cup, April 1985)

Stapleton Nets A Late Winner...Wait! No He Doesn't

At the "neutral" venue of Goodison Park, these two titanic teams met head-on at this epic FA Cup semifinal.

Mark Hughes netted the opener, and then Ronnie Whelan equalized with four minutes remaining.

Whelan's equalizer seemed irrelevant when Frank Stapleton put United ahead with seconds remaining, until Paul Walsh grabbed a lifeline for Fagan's Liverpool.

Football opera at its finest. Teams showing commitment and desire. Players putting their bodies on the line, forgetting about aches and pains.

Liverpool 3, Manchester United 3 (Premier League, January 1994)

Cloughie Brings the Reds Back from the Dead

United were just about to begin their supreme dominance of English football, while Liverpool's bright star was slowly fading.

When Manchester United went up 3-0, one might have expected them to see it out easily. Except this was a derby, and anything can occur during these monumental matchups.

After just 24 minutes, the men from Manchester were up 3-0. Liverpool began their revival when Nigel Clough hit a beauty from miles out.

Another followed from Clough, and then "Razor" Ruddock hit the leveler with 12 minutes to go.

Typical United-Liverpool clash. 

Liverpool 1, Manchester United 2 (FA Cup Final, May 1977)

United Prevent Liverpool From Treble Glory

Twenty-two years before the Red Devils achieved the "Treble" in Barcelona, Liverpool had a great opportunity to be the first team in England to achieve the honor.

The game was decided in a frantic five minutes.

Stuart Pearson gave United the lead when he drilled a shot past Ray Clemence, only for Jimmy Case to level two minutes later.

A lucky Lou Macari goal in the 55th minute then put United in front by more.

There was nothing sweeter for United fans than stopping Liverpool, polishing off a year with a trophy that would complete the historic feat of a "Treble."

Manchester United 0, Liverpool 1 (Premier League, December 2000)

Liverpool End Long Losing Streak

The Reds ended their 10-game losing streak against their bitter rivals with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

Liverpool's star as a real force in the league had waned in the last 10 years. Now, United and Arsenal were the big teams.

However, this is a rivalry that has nothing to do with the actual positions of the team in the league or if either team is battling for position in the league; it will always be tense no matter what.

It is hatred of the highest order.