Has there ever been a more exciting and enthralling FA Cup Semi-Final than Liverpool v Manchester Utd 1979? Is it the greatest FA Cup Semi-Final ever?

Liverpool’s yellow kit and a characteristic 1970’s muddy Maine Road pitch. Graced with England’s two biggest clubs battling it out for a Cup Final spot at Wembley. Close to 53,000 fans at the ground would witness one of the greatest FA Cup Semi-Final battles of modern times. Liverpool on paper had the stronger side. However, United was a side not willing to roll over for their Northern rivals. It all pointed towards another Liverpool v Manchester United classic. Was it the greatest FA Cup Semi-Final ever?

The Greatest Cup Semi-Final Ever?

A pulsating 2-2 draw at Manchester City’s Maine Road United started badly. Falling behind to a superb solo effort from Kenny Dalglish on 17 minutes. Their lead lasted just two minutes when Scotland international Joe Jordan equalised.

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Brian Greenhoff put United ahead in the second half with United on top. It appeared it was going to be the winner as Liverpool toiled on the muddy pitch. But a late strike from Alan Hansen set up a replay four days later.

Liverpool v Manchester United 1979 Part 2

In the second meeting at Everton’s Goodison Park, Greenhoff was once again the hero. In a tighter and tenser affair, he scored the only goal of the game. As a result, sending United through to a Wembley meeting with Arsenal. Liverpool v Manchester Utd 1979 had served up two classics, one full of excitement and the other full of tension.

Cup Final Classic

The final itself would go down as a classic. United were 2-0 down to a fluent Arsenal outfit. They would fight back to draw level at 2-2 through McQueen and McIlroy. At that point, United looked more likely to win the Final. However, a great run from Liam Brady and a pinpoint cross from Rix found Alan Sunderland who slotted home.

Sunderland actually injured himself in scoring the goal. And was seen visibly limping around the pitch during the lap of honour.

 

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