The clash between two of England’s oldest and biggest clubs is set to resume as Liverpool FC takes on their villainous rivals, Manchester United, at Anfield this Sunday. Regardless of their positions in the Premier League table, this match always garners the attention of soccer enthusiasts each season.
Whenever these two teams face off, the atmosphere is electric with intense excitement. The fans of both clubs harbor a mutual dislike for each other, resulting in chants that create an atmosphere best described as unpredictable. While the winners claim bragging rights, neutrals are treated to an exhilarating display of football.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool has yet to taste defeat this season and is eagerly awaiting their maiden Premier League title. On the other hand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United struggles to find stability and secure a top-four position with their young squad.
It’s worth noting that Manchester United is the only team that has suffered defeat this season. As a result, the entire football community will undoubtedly have their eyes on this upcoming match, which always delivers excitement. Let’s take a closer look at ten of the most unforgettable encounters between Manchester United and Liverpool FC.
Manchester United 4 – 0 Liverpool (04/05/2003)
This match will forever be remembered for Liverpool midfielder Sami Hyppia’s performance. He won United a penalty and was later sent off in a heated game at Old Trafford. Manchester United dismantled their opponents with braces from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and a goal each from Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, making the defeat even more humiliating for the Red Devils.
Manchester United 1 – 4 Liverpool (March 14, 2009)
This match marked a period when Fernando Torres dominated the league’s goalscoring charts. The Spaniard posed a constant threat to Manchester United’s goalkeeper and center-back Nemanja Vidic, who ended up giving away a penalty and receiving a red card. Liverpool secured a humiliating victory over their rivals with goals from Torres, Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio, and Andrea Dossena. The iconic image of Gerrard kissing the camera also came from this eventful game.
Manchester United 3 – 2 Liverpool (September 19, 2010)
Dimitar Berbatov showcased one of his best performances for Manchester United in this game, scoring a hat-trick that proved to be the difference between the two teams. Despite Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s brace, it wasn’t enough for the visitors to leave Old Trafford empty-handed.
Berbatov’s sublime overhead kick is still hailed as one of the greatest goals in any Manchester United vs Liverpool game of all time. It left not only Pepe Reina’s heartbroken but the whole stadium in awe, as the magical moment unfolded before their eyes.
Liverpool 3 – 1 Manchester United (03/06/2011)
Manchester United’s triumphant season was marred by this bitter loss against their formidable opponents. In one of the most significant defeats during a dominant season for the Red Devils, a heated scuffle erupted after Carragher fouled Nani, resulting in the player’s dismissal. Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick sealed the victory for Liverpool, much to the disappointment of Manchester United fans.
Manchester United 0 – 3 Liverpool (16/03/2014)
In a season where Liverpool had the upper hand, their victory against Manchester United left a sour taste in the mouths of loyal Red Devils supporters. Liverpool further intensified manager David Moyes’ misery by inflicting a humiliating defeat. Goals from Gerrard, Sturridge, and a red card for Nemanja Vidic sealed the fate of the home side.
Liverpool 1 – 2 Manchester United (21/03/2015)
Juan Mata secured a place in the hearts of United fans by scoring an aerial goal past The Kop at Anfield. It was Mata who opened the scoring for the visitors, then led by Louis Van Gaal. This match is also remembered for the incident when Steven Gerrard came off the bench and was immediately sent off within 38 seconds for stomping on Ander Herrera. Unfortunately, it was a rather sad farewell for the Liverpool legend in his final game against Manchester United.
Manchester United 3 – 1 Liverpool (September 12, 2015)
Prior to this game, all eyes were on Anthony Martial, a mysterious last-minute signing that left Manchester United fans wondering who he was. The Frenchman effortlessly answered their question by delivering a beautiful performance that won over United fans. Martial justified his £58 million price tag by skillfully maneuvering past three defenders from the left and slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net, reminiscent of Thierry Henry’s style. Goals from Ander Herrera and Daley Blind, along with Christian Benteke’s consolation goal, sealed the victory for Manchester United.
Manchester United 2 – 1 Liverpool (02/11/2012)
This match will always be remembered for various off-field reasons. Manchester United defeated Liverpool with a Wayne Rooney brace, but the game was overshadowed by the controversial actions of Luis Suarez. Suarez, who had recently been banned for allegedly making racist comments towards Patrice Evra, refused to shake hands with Evra before the game, sparking a series of heated incidents. An explosion in the tunnel occurred when an angry Suarez kicked the ball into the crowd. The tensions escalated further as Evra celebrated the narrow victory over Luis Suarez, causing further frustration among the Liverpool players.
Liverpool 1 – 0 Manchester United (February 18, 2006)
The FA Cup tie between these fierce rivals saw Liverpool secure a victory with Peter Crouch’s decisive header, leaving Edwin van der Sar powerless. It was Liverpool’s first FA Cup victory over Manchester United in over 85 years. However, this match is remembered for a horrific incident that many believe marked the end of Alan Smith’s football career. Smith suffered a broken leg while attempting to save a free-kick taken by John Arne Riise. The injury left him in excruciating pain and garnered sympathy from supporters of both teams.
Liverpool 3 – 1 Manchester United (16/12/2018)
This reverse match, often regarded as the final nail in Jose Mourinho’s coffin, witnessed Liverpool overpowering Manchester United in every aspect of the game. The home side unleashed an astonishing 36 shots on target. Although David de Gea showcased his typical heroics between the posts, two deflected shots managed to breach United’s solid defense. Sadio Mane opened the scoring for the Reds, quickly followed by Jesse Lingard’s equalizer courtesy of a mistake by Liverpool’s newly signed goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
These are the top 10 most unforgettable encounters between Manchester United and Liverpool FC, as voted by global sports sites. We hope you found this information insightful in understanding the incredible football rivalry between these two iconic clubs. For more global sports news, live soccer updates, and updates on other attractive European football tournaments, follow us at Zenith City News.
