On this day 28 years ago, a Norman Whiteside inspired Manchester United came back from 3-1 down to earn a creditable draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
Liverpool had come from behind themselves, as two late first half goals from ex-Red Peter Beardsley and Gary Gillespie overhauled Bryan Robson’s early opener.
Steve McMahon, Liverpool’s midfield enforcer at the time, added a third for the home side at the start of the second half, before United’s Colin Gibson was sent off shortly after for a second bookable offence.
Norman Whiteside came on after 54 minutes and his first act was to leave his mark on Liverpool’s McMahon with a reckless challenge. He wouldn’t have got away with it in today’s game, although he was booked, but it was this kind of aggressive mentality which aided United’s pursuit of getting a result that day.
YouTube: Liverpool 3-3 Man United April 1988 includes Whiteside taking out Mcmahon
Just 10 minutes after being brought on, Whiteside used his strength to hold up the ball on the edge of the area, before laying the ball on to Gordon Strachan. He then passed to Bryan Robson, who’s long range drive was deflected in at the Kop end.
Minutes later, Strachan ran through on goal and equalised for United, earning what had seemed like the most unlikely of results. Whiteside might not have been on the scoresheet for the Reds that day, but the aggressive mark he made in this game will be forever remembered by United fans.
United have had further memorable moments against Liverpool on this day, too. In 1979, Jimmy Greenhoff’s goal against the Anfield side was enough to win the FA Cup Semi-Final replay for the Reds, although they lost the final to Arsenal.
More recently, United were 3-1 victors over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in 2015, thanks to a fantastic display from Ander Herrera and a joyous acrobatic effort from Wayne Rooney.
