Source: Daily_Mail
Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson clash at Anfield in 1988
[LNB]KennyDalglish against Sir Alex Ferguson. In 2011. Even for those that don'tenjoy wandering down football's memory lane as much as I, there is morethan a whiff of nostalgia as these two giants of the game do battleagain.[LNB]BeforeDalglish's Liverpool and Ferguson's United clash on Sunday, we take youback to a memorable clash between the two great rivals 23 years ago atAnfield. [LNB] Liverpoolwere still very much the premier force in English football in the late1980s, and Ferguson made changing that his top priority.[LNB]The 1988 vintage is the best Liverpool that I can personally remember- a team that you would have strongly fancied to win the European Cupwere it not for the ban on English clubs at the time.[LNB]And Dalglish's men were racing away with the title when these two great rivals clashed on an April afternoon 23 years ago.[LNB] Rivals: Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson[LNB] United were in decent form themselves though, and always fancied themselves in individual contests against Liverpool.[LNB]BryanRobson put the visitors in front at Anfield, but this only acted as aspur to Liverpool, who scored twice before half-time through PeterBeardsley and Gary Gillespie.[LNB]SteveMcMahon fired home a brilliant third to extend Liverpool's lead earlyin the second half. John Motson shouted in the commentary box that itwas one of best goals of the season 'even by Liverpool standards'.[LNB]Robson,United's permanent saviour in those years, scored again with adeflected shot to give Ferguson's men hope but when Colin Gibson wassent off the points looked to be heading to the hosts.[LNB] Seeing red: Colin Gibson is sent off at Anfield[LNB]United had other ideas however, and Gordon Strachan burst through for United and coolly scored an equaliser in front of the Kop.[LNB]The Scot's infamous celebrations, which involved him smoking an imaginary cigar, would be one to savour for United supporters.[LNB]Thematch finished 3-3, and would have stayed in the memory even if thepost-match interviews were forgettable. As it happened, they wereexplosive.[LNB]First there was Ferguson, bitterlycomplaining that decisions had gone against his side. He claimed to radio reporters that it was no surprisemanagers 'have to leave here choking on their own vomit, biting theirtongue, afraid to tell the truth'.[LNB]Nottoo many rival managers have stood up to Ferguson, particularly when infull rant mode. Dalglish wasn't daunted however, and carrying his baby daughter Lauren past Ferguson, said: 'You'll get more sense out of her.'[LNB] United delight: Bryan Robson wheels away in celebration after his deflected effort hits the net at Anfield[LNB]Liverpool went on to win their17th title that season, with United still stuck on seven. It seemed atthat time as if Liverpool's domination of English football would neverend.[LNB]The transformation of United's fortunes since then is quite another story in itself.[LNB]WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF LIVERPOOL'S DRAMATIC 3-3 DRAW AGAINST UNITED IN 1988[LNB][LNB] Down but not out: Carrick confident United will banish Blues with Anfield winDalglish set to unleash record signing Carroll for debut against United[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: John Motson, Alex Ferguson, Gordon Strachan, Kenny Dalglish, Colin Gibson Places: Liverpool
