Liverpool vs. Manchester United: 10 Memorable Moments

Liverpool and Manchester United meet later on today in the 184th installment of the Northwest Derby.  Back on October 15, 2011 the clubs drew in what was undoubtedly the most controversial fixture ever between the two.  

So acrimonious and inflammatory has been the fallout that the leadership of both clubs have saw it fit to diffuse any potentially incendiary issues between the clubs and supporters beforehand, with both Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson jointly appealing for calm from both players and supporters.

Things have not always been this contentious, but it is always a spirited meeting whenever these two intense rivals meet on the pitch.  Here then is a look back at 10 memorable encounters between the two clubs:

FA Cup Final, May 21, 1977: Liverpool 1, Manchester United 2

Memorable because this was the first time the two clubs would meet in a Cup title game, the air was electric with excitement as Liverpool sought its first ever English treble, while United simply sought to deny their fierce rivals the honor. 

Stuart Pearson opened the scoring in the 50^th minute before Jimmy Case equalized on a stunning half-volley two minutes later.  Jimmy Greenhoff added another for United to cap off a spectacular three goals in five minutes, and Manchester United were Cup champions for the first time in 14 years.

Football League (Carling) Cup Final, March 26, 1983: Liverpool 2, Manchester 1

Bob Paisley would walk the Reds out onto the pitch for the last time as Liverpool sought its third straight Football League Cup title.  Paisley was the reluctant successor to legendary boss Bill Shankly, and while he never could quite fill those large shoes, he proved himself a more than capable substitute.

After a stellar career marked by 535 games, nine years, six First Division Championships, three Football League Cup titles and three European Cup titles, everything culminated on this final day. 

Alan Kennedy and Ronnie Whelan scored for Liverpool, before Norman Whiteside pulled one back for United, to make the final score 2-1 Liverpool, and ensure that Paisley went out a winner.

FA Cup Semifinal Tie April 13 and 17, 1985: LFC 3, Manchester 4 (Aggregate)

April 13, 1985: Liverpool 2, Manchester United 2

The first game (highlights above) was notable for Ronnie Whelan’s screamer to equalize for Liverpool, three minutes from stoppage time.  Both teams would later score a goal a piece in extra time to finish the first leg tied, forcing a replay.

April 17, 1985: Liverpool 1, Manchester United 2

The replay proved equally eventful as Paul McGrath’s own goal and Steve Nicol’s glaring miss of a sitter were just two of many talking points on the day, but it would be Bryan Robson's fantastic left-footed equalizer for United that most may recall.

Ferguson’s Anfield Derby Debut, April 4, 1988: Liverpool 3, United 3

Liverpool were 11 points clear at the top of the league with little over a month to play, and yet another First Division title was within sights. Bryan Robson opened the scoring for United before Liverpool went up 3-1 behind goals from Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie and Steve McMahon. Robson then pulled a goal back for United to make it 3-2 before Scottish legend Gordon Strachan equalized to force a 3-3 tie.

Peter Beardley’s Hat Trick, September 16, 1990: Liverpool 4, Manchester 0

No words necessary (nor adequate, really) to describe the beautiful display which Liverpool put on, on this day.

FA Premier League January 4, 1994: Liverpool 3, Manchester United 3

Liverpool were languishing through the final days of Graeme Souness’ tenure as manager during the second season of the new Premier League. Manchester United took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first 25 minutes behind goals from Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin. Nigel Clough scored a brace and Neil Ruddock would add another goal to salvage a tie for the Reds.

Eric Cantona Returns, October 1, 1995: Liverpool 2, Manchester United 2

Eric Cantona would mark his return to the pitch after serving an eight-month ban for kicking a fan in a game against Crystal Palace. Cantona would get things started by setting up Nicky Butt’s early tally to put United ahead. 

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler scored a brace to send the visiting Reds the lead, before Cantona equalized  with a 71^st-minute penalty to steal a point for United. 

Liverpool Makes Late Run at Title, March 14, 2009: Liverpool 4, Manchester 1

The two sides met at Old Trafford as United looked to cement their title bid while Liverpool hoped for a late push. A Cristian Ronaldo penalty saw United go ahead in the 23rd minute, only for Fernando Torres to equalize five minutes later for the visitors. 

Steven Gerrard converted a penalty just before halftime to put Liverpool up 2-1 at the half. Nemanja Vidic was sent off in the 76th minute, and late goals from Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena would seal the victory for Liverpool. 

Alas the battle was won for Liverpool, but the war would go United’s way as Ferguson's men would go on to claim the Premier League title ahead of Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt Hat Trick, March 6, 2011: Liverpool 3, Manchester 1

Dirk Kuyt would score three on the day (and not another since) for Liverpool, in a game which also marked Andy Carroll’s debut. It was a memorable way to kick off the renaissance under Dalglish as Liverpool unveiled their shiny new toys in a dominant performance by the club. 

Suarez-Evra October 15, 2011: Liverpool 1, Manchester 1

Memorable perhaps for all the wrong reasons, enough has been said and written about the events that transpired on this day, everything but the game itself that is. 

The lasting shame would be that the controversy overshadowed what was a terrific performance by Liverpool, who were unfortunate not to finish the encounter with a full three points.

January 28, 2012??

Would this latest encounter between the clubs prove memorable?  Feel free to come back with your thoughts after the match, as well as to list your own memorable moments from the rivalry.