Liverpool arrived at Old Trafford as champions but were totally outclassed and outplayed by the hosts. Denis Law scored either side of half-time while John Connelly got the other. United also hit the post twice and had two shots cleared off the line Photograph: PA Archive
Having secured the title and only days away from playing in their first European Cup final, Liverpool went to Wembley occupied by thoughts of a treble. United shattered those dreams, though, thanks to goals from Stuart Pearson and Jimmy Greenhoff. Jimmy Case got one for the champions Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images
Liverpool’s third successive league cup triumph, and the last trophy Bob Paisley won as Liverpool manager, was secured thanks to late goals from Alan Kennedy and Ronnie Whelan. Norman Whiteside had given United a first-half lead Photograph: Peter Robinson/Empics Sport
Managed by Alex Ferguson and driven on by Bryan Robson, United provided a taster of the resilience that was to define them in the 1990s with this comeback. Liverpool led 3-1 at half-time but were pegged back thanks to two goals from Robson and one from Gordon Strachan Photograph: PA Archive
A result that is still much celebrated at Anfield. United arrived on Merseyside with hopes of winning the title but left with their dreams crushed after this defeat confirmed Leeds as champions Photograph: Neal Simpson/Empics Sport
Champions United stormed to a 3-0 lead before two goals from Nigel Clough brought Liverpool back into the game before half-time. Neil Ruddock’s late header sealed a remarkable, ground-shaking comeback Photograph: Neal Simpson/Empics Sport
Eric Cantona was the centre of attention on his return to action following a nine-month ban for assaulting a fan. It appeared, though, that Robbie Fowler was going to snatch all the headlines after his two goals gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead. But Cantona eventually recaptured the limelight after his late penalty rescued a point for the hosts Photograph: John Giles/PA Archive
The Kop paid tribute to Gerard Houllier prior to kick-off following the Frenchman’s sudden heart-attack and then saw their team record a stirring victory. The highlight was undoubtedly John Arne Riise’s thunderous free-kick that gave the hosts a 2-1 lead Photograph: Tom Jenkins
Diego Forlan’s time at Old Trafford was a disappointing one but he found a place in the heart of all United supporters after his brace secured this victory at Anfield. In contrast, an error by Jerzy Dudek, which led to one of Forlan’s goals, was the beginning of the end of his time at Liverpool Photograph: Gary M. Prior/Getty Images
United were edging towards their 18th title, Liverpool, meanwhile, were stuttering domestically. Imagine the surprise then when the visitors reacted to going a goal down at Old Trafford by ripping through their opponents. Fernando Torres in particular was imperious Photograph: Chris Coleman/Man Utd via Getty Images
