One of the most difficult games for Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign was playing Liverpool at Anfield. The team who Ferguson wanted to "knock off their perch" always posed a tough test for his side away from home.
After winning on his first trip there, thanks to a 78th minute goal from Norman Whiteside, Ferguson had to wait another five years before winning again. In fact, over the next 10 years following that game, United won just two games and lost five.
When United travelled to Anfield as champions for the first time in 26 years, Liverpool supporters held up a banner which read: “Au revoir Cantona and Man United. Come back when you’ve won 18.” United were 10 titles short of matching Liverpool at the time.
The idea that United could ever surpass Liverpool’s trophy haul seemed impossible. Even if United were to ever win it 18 times, you would have predicted their Merseyside rivals would have won it at least 30 times by then, given their dominance.
Yet the tables turned: Ferguson did knock Liverpool off their perch, and United now stand proudly as the most successful English team in top-flight history.
Ferguson’s final visit was a successful occasion with United winning 2-1, courtesy of an 81st minute penalty from Robin van Persie. Steven Gerrard had given Liverpool the lead that day, before Rafael Da Silva equalised, although the game is probably best remembered for Jonjo Shelvey’s reaction to his red card. United went on to win the title for a record 20th time that season, with Ferguson going out on a high.
Surprisingly, United have picked up some good results at Anfield since Ferguson’s retirement. Louis van Gaal won both games he oversaw in the league. The first came thanks to two goals from Juan Mata and the second with a late goal from Wayne Rooney.
Last season, in Jose Mourinho’s first game at Anfield as United manager, his team left with a point after a boring 0-0 win. The 35% possession was the lowest United have ever clocked since Opta started recording stats in 2003, which gives some clue as to how the manager set up his team.
This weekend, we should expect slightly different tactics, even if they don’t come through choice. With Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini both injured, Mourinho doesn’t have the option of crowding the midfield. Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Michael Carrick are the only available central midfielders, so it’s possible all three may start, even if unlikely.
Carrick has only featured in one game so far this season, playing 90 minutes against Burton in the EFL Cup. He certainly has the experience of being able to cope with the intensity that comes from playing against Liverpool, which might put him in the manager’s plans.
Mourinho may instead resort to playing a back five to allow United to absorb the pressure from Liverpool’s attack, but with pace going forward to enable them to counter. Mata has been a firm favourite for the manager this year but supporters will be hoping this might be the occasion to start Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku together for the first time. All three forwards are in fantastic form and would fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet.
Ferguson started Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Rooney together for the first time towards the beginning of the 2008/09 season. They looked electric in the opening minutes, with Berbatov setting up Tevez for the opening goal after just three minutes. But United fizzled out that day and lost 2-1.
Mourinho would be hoping for a different outcome if he opts to start United’s attacking trio. Having already got himself in to the supporters' good books after claiming two trophies last season, a win at Anfield would certainly raise his status further.
At Chelsea, Mourinho’s record against Liverpool was better than against any other club, managing eight wins, one draw and two losses. If he can carry this form over to his new team he’ll be a hero. No league result matters more for United than a win at Anfield and Mourinho would be wise to do all he can to see his team leave with the three points.
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