In the Premier League era we have been blessed with plenty of memorable matches between two powerhouses of English soccer: Manchester United and Liverpool.
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The fierce rivals — England’s two most successful teams in terms of league titles won — meet again this Saturday at Old Trafford (Watch live, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and online via Live Extra) with United and Liverpool having identical records of 2-1-1 so far this season.
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Here’s a look at five memorable matches from the PL era involving these massive rivals.
Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool – 1995
Eric Cantona returned from his eight-month ban for kung-fu kicking a fan and set up United’s first, then scored a late penalty kick to cancel out Robbie Fowler’s double and make it 2-2. The United legend subsequently celebrated by shimming up and down a metal stanchion behind the goal. Epic.
Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool – 2009
What. A. Game. Cristiano Ronaldo gave United the lead but Fernando Torres robbed Nemanja Vidic to equalize, then Steven Gerrard scored from the PK spot to put the Reds ahead and Vidic’s misery was completed by a red card. Late goals from Aurelio and Dossena put the gloss on the scoreline for Rafael Benitez as Sir Alex Ferguson‘s reigning champions looked stunned.
Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool – 2010
Dimitar Berbatov put United 2-0 up, but a double from Steven Gerrard soon made it 2-2 with goals from the penalty spot and a free kick. However, Berbatov scored late on to seal his hat trick and snatch all three points for the Red Devils. He was the first United player in 64 years to score a treble against their bitter rivals.
Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United – 2011
A Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool went 3-0 up as Dirk Kuyt became the first Reds player in over 21 years to score a hat trick against United. Javier Hernandez scored a late consolation, but Suarez tore United apart.
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United – 2015
Last season’s epic encounter at Anfield was a slow burner but boy did it get going. Juan Mata gave United the lead in the first half and local lad Steven Gerrard came on at half time for the final derby of his illustrious 17-year Liverpool career. Gerrard was sent off seconds later for a crazy lunging tackle and Mata then scored a mind-boggling second to put United 2-0 up. 10-man Liverpool pulled a goal back through Daniel Sturridge and pushed hard for the equalizer but United held on for a big win.
