There have been some magical strikes by Liverpool players against their most bitter rivals over the years, from long-range efforts to cleverly worked tap-ins. Henry Jackson (@OnFootballTweet) selects his top 10 Liverpool goals against Man United.
10. JIMMY CASE (1976/77 FA Cup Final)
Case’s terrific turn and finish brought the Reds level in the 1977 FA Cup Final. While the day was to end in disappointment for them, the former midfielder’s goal remains one of Liverpool’s best in Wembley history.
9. FABIO AURELIO (2008/09 Premier League)
Some would say Andrea Dossena’s goal was more memorable because it put the icing on the cake in Liverpool’s incredible 4-1 win at Old Trafford back in 2009, but it was Aurelio’s goal that was the most pivotal.
Nemanja Vidic had just been sent-off for hauling down Gerrard, and from the resulting free-kick the Brazilian bent a wonderful effort past Edwin van der Sar. It was his finest moment in a Reds shirt.
8. NIGEL CLOUGH (1993/94 Premier League)
With Liverpool 3-0 down to their bitter rivals, Clough’s double inspired his side to an unlikely and unforgettable 3-3 draw at Anfield.
It was the midfielder’s first goal that was both crucial and high in quality. He fired the ball home from 30 yards in front of the Kop to make it 3-1, bringing his side right back into the game in the process.
7. DANNY MURPHY (2001/02 Premier League)
There may have been more spectacular goals scored by Liverpool players at Old Trafford- Patrik Berger springs to mind- but for sheer importance Murphy’s late winner back in 2002 has to make the list.
With the game heading towards a goalless draw, Steven Gerrard‘s wonderful pass found the midfielder, who caressed a clever finish over Fabien Barthez. It revitalised Liverpool’s title challenge that season, and they eventually finished second; above United.
6. IAN RUSH (1992/93 Premier League)
Although the Reds eventually lost this game back in 1993, Rush’s superb strike lives long in the memory.
Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer was struggling to get into the side under Graeme Souness, but this terrific half-volley, past a motionless Schmeichel, showed him just what he was missing.
5. DIRK KUYT (2010/11 Premier League)
http://youtu.be/WM4O4Da4sDI
Kuyt may take the credit for scoring the goal, but the reason for its brilliance was the genius of Luis Suarez.
El Pistolero had only joined Liverpool a month or so previously, and he introduced himself in a big game with a mesmerising dribble past several United defenders before putting the ball on a plate for Kuyt to open the scoring.
4. ROBBIE FOWLER (1995/96 Premier League)
http://youtu.be/l8v08SP0Lnc
This was the day that Fowler overshadowed the much-talked about return of Eric Cantona from suspension.
‘God’ scored twice in an enthralling game that ended 2-2, but it was his first that was truly brilliant. With Ian Rush waiting in the middle for a cross, Fowler fired a magnificent effort past Peter Schmeichel to stun the hosts.
3. JAN MOLBY (1984/95 Milk Cup)
This forgotten gem from a Milk Cup clash at Anfield in 1984 was an unstoppable effort from the big Dane. Although not known for his mobility, Molby’s long run and stunning shot remains one of the best goals ever scored against the Red Devils.
2. STEVEN GERRARD (2000/01 Premier League)
http://youtu.be/j0O-uBYEOLE
Gerrard was just 20 when he hit this thunderbolt in 2000, and it was further proof of the huge talent the now legendary midfielder possessed. It was the first of many goals against United for the skipper, and it remains comfortably his best.
1. JOHN ARNE RIISE (2001/02 Premier League)
It has to be number one, doesn’t it? The Norwegian’s unbelievable strike back in 2001 put the Reds 2-0 up, almost breaking the Anfield Road crossbar in the process. They went on to beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 3-1 at Anfield, in what was a crucial win for Gerard Houllier’s side.
What would be your number one? What goals did we miss?
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