Manchester United completed a Premier League double over Liverpool on Sunday, sealing Champions League football for next season in the process.
It was the first time in a decade that the Reds achieved the feat, with the weekend’s triumph following on from October’s battling win at Anfield.
The latest instalment proved to be a classic encounter, as the hosts blitzed their visitors early on and raced into a two-goal first-half advantage, thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, before two individual errors allowed Liverpool a route back into the game.
Ultimately, it was Kobbie Mainoo who proved to be the match-winner, as the England starlet fired home a decisive strike with just 13 minutes remaining, sending the Stretford End into raptures.
The Red Devils now boast bragging rights in the North West, as well as a six-point lead over the old enemy in the race for a top-three finish.
After Sunday’s joyous victory, I take a look back at United’s top five Premier League wins over Liverpool at Old Trafford since the turn of the Millennium.
5. Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool | 19 September 2010
In a game eerily similar to the latest encounter, United once again prevailed 3-2, having relinquished a 2-0 lead.
Bulgarian hitman Dimitar Berbatov bagged himself a famous hat-trick, including an astonishing overhead kick, to forever etch his name into North Western folklore.
With Nani’s cross slightly behind the striker, he still managed to bring the ball under control before hooking a stunning overhead shot past Pepe Reina via the underside of the crossbar.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored twice to level it up against the run of play, but Berbatov was not to be denied as he headed home an 84th-minute winner to send the Old Trafford faithful home happy.
4. Manchester United 3-0 Liverpool | 23 March 2008
A day where United outclassed their bitter rivals in every department, punishing the 10 men of Liverpool with efficient brilliance.
Wes Brown scored a rare goal to give the home side a crucial first-half lead before the visitors had Javier Mascherano sent off following a second bookable offence just before half-time.
Rafa Benitez’s shell-shocked troops began to crumble as the defending champions began to turn the screw.
A second-half header from red-hot forward Cristiano Ronaldo followed, before a thumping third goal from his compatriot Nani just underlined United’s superiority.
Inevitably, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side moved five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
3. Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool | 22 October 2006
United continued their blistering start to the 2006-07 season with a comprehensive beating of old foes Liverpool in late October.
Paul Scholes opened the scoring on his 500th appearance for the Red Devils to set them on their way to a deserved victory on home soil.
Roared on by a record crowd of 75,828, the hosts doubled their lead in scintillating style as defender Rio Ferdinand showed a striker’s instinct by rifling home a memorable goal of the month contender.
The win opened up a huge chasm between England’s two most successful clubs, with United leaving Benitez’s Liverpool trailing in their wake by an 11-point margin just two months into the season.
2. Manchester United 1-0 Liverpool | 22 January 2006
United moved four points clear of Liverpool in the battle for second place after that man again, Rio Ferdinand, powered home a last-gasp header in the dying embers to give his side a dramatic victory.
Fergie’s men were depleted through both injury and suspension going into the game, with Ryan Giggs and John O’Shea forming an unlikely central midfield partnership on the day.
Still, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy did spearhead a dangerous attack.
With Liverpool failing to convert their chances, the Mancunian giants finished strongly, and Ferdinand rose highest to meet Giggs’ accurate delivery and net a sweet stoppage-time winner at the Stretford End.
That aside, the match is perhaps best remembered for Gary Neville running to passionately celebrate the win in front of the away end, for which he later received a £5,000 fine from the FA for improper conduct.
1. Manchester United 4-0 Liverpool | 05 April 2003
Unsurprisingly, I’ve gone with United’s biggest ever win over the Scousers in the Premier League era, and a game where an early red card for Sami Hyypia set the scene for a memorable outing.
The Finnish centre-back hauled down Van Nistelrooy to concede a penalty in the opening exchanges, leaving referee Mike Riley with no option but to send him off.
The Dutchman blasted home the resultant spot-kick before repeating the trick in the second half after a clumsy tackle from Igor Biscan gave away yet another penalty.
Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rubbed salt into the wounds by adding to the scoreline, as Gerard Houllier’s defensively-minded side had no answer, having been totally dominated.
The record victory also had huge ramifications for that season’s title race, as it sent United three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
What has been your favourite Premier League victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, and where does Sunday’s win rank?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels – Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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