Manchester United vs Liverpool: Top five memorable clashes in Premier League history

One of the most fathomed rivalries in the history of the English Premier League, Manchester United vs Liverpool have failed to live up to the billing in recent years. Baring a game or two, it has been a lopsided affair with Liverpool taking Manchester United for a ride. However, in the history of the English Premier League, there have been games where players have thoroughly enjoyed the engaging and long-drawn battles on the pitch with Liverpool trying to intimidate Manchester United whereas Sir Alex’s goal during these games used to knock them off the perch.

In this article, we shall look at the games between Manchester United and Liverpool in Premier League history where it has given the most enthralling experiences for fans. Here are the top five memorable clashes in Premier League history between Manchester United and Liverpool. 

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Top five memorable clashes in Premier League history

1. Manchester United vs Liverpool, 3-2, 2010 

The Dimitar Berbatov special had hit the Anfield outfit and they did not realize it in the game. Berbatov joined the United Royalty with a hattrick against arch-rivals. The second goal of Berba seemed to hang in the Old Trafford air forever.

These compelled few writers to look for words. The striker always drew criticism but always a pure magic. While the Old Trafford outfit was beaming with joy with a two-goal lead at the hour mark, by the 70th minute, they were 2-2. When it all felt like the game would end in a draw, an absolute header from O’Shea’s cross sent Manchester United fans into delirium with Sir Alex Ferguson's trademark fist punch. 

2. Liverpool vs Manchester United, 3-3 (1994)

A game at the Kop in the Night Lights has always seen some crackers but this game was beyond that. Neil Ruddock’s thundering header started a comeback that defied the belief. Manchester United, with their swag, were comfortably 3 goals up inside the 24 minutes.

The likes of Ryan Giggs, Steve Bruce, and Dennis Irwin had sent the fans into party mode. The party mode was disturbed with Nigel Clough finding the back of the net, who was always criticized for not going beyond his father’s shadow. He scored twice in the game, setting up their side for a great finish. The roar when Ruddock found the goal nearly took the roof off Anfield. Even Sir Alex Ferguson admired the game and believed the Reds had it in them. 

3. Liverpool vs Manchester United, 0-1 ( 2016)

These were the times when both Manchester United and Liverpool were going through their restructuring time. The late goal at Anfield by Wayne Rooney gave fans a glimpse of Manchester United's glory days.

The game had close to no quality but the tension brewed throughout the game. Marouane Fellaini’s header struck the bar and Rooney pounced on the ball to find the back of the net. Rooney’s slide tackle had irked the fans. Throughout the game, Liverpool were gegenpressing, completely cornering Manchester United. However, the David de Gea special between the sticks made even Liverpool fans stuck in awe. The victory was not great but it made it sweeter for away fans who had travelled to Anfield from Manchester. 

4. Liverpool vs Manchester United, 2-3 (1999)

This was the post-treble season where Manchester United were in wonderland. Right after the start of the new season, in front of a 40000+ crowd, the teams were ready to fight. This was the game where Jamie Carragher played for Manchester United but ironically he had a Liverpool jersey. Carragher conceded the goal in the 08th minute and the lead was doubled by Andrew Cole in the 18th minute.

Sami Hyppia halved the deficit but it did not remain the same until halftime as Carragher conceded one more own goal just before halftime. Though Patrick Berger scored a goal to make it 3-2, Manchester United shut the stop to register a famous win at Anfield. 

5. Manchester United vs Liverpool, 1-4, 2009 

The day Liverpool danced on United's lawn. Torres terrorized Vidic into a red card, while Gerrard kissed the camera after his penalty. But it was Andrea Dossena's audacious lob in stoppage time that really twisted the knife. Benitez's side played with a swagger rarely seen at Old Trafford. Aurelio's free-kick made it look easy.

Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty was a mere consolation on a day when Liverpool reminded everyone why these fixtures matter so much. The away end couldn't resist a chorus of "We're gonna win the league" - they didn't, but this victory felt almost as sweet. Ferguson's face grew redder by the minute, while Benitez allowed himself a rare smile.