Liverpool 3–1 Manchester United (2001 FA Cup Final)

Lore & Background

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the biggest and fiercest in world football, fueled by the proximity of the two cities, their historic economic and industrial rivalry, and their domestic and European success. As of 3 May 2026, Liverpool lead in terms of number of trophies won with 69 to United's 68, while United lead in the head-to-head record with 85 wins to Liverpool's 72.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on Cardiff as the clock wound down through regulation time. The air was thick with tension; United had led early, but Liverpool refused to break. In the 81st minute, Steven Gerrard stepped back, eyes locked on the goal, and unleashed a thunderous strike that screamed past the keeper. The roar from the red half of the stadium was deafening. The match spilled into extra time, still grippingly tense. Then came the final moment: Emile Heskey rose above the defense in stoppage time, connecting perfectly with a cross. As the ball hit the net, the Millennium Stadium erupted in a sea of red, celebrating a victory that felt like redemption and rebirth all at once.

Reader's Guide

Neither Liverpool nor Manchester United have been relegated from the Premier League. The two clubs are the most successful in English football history, having won 40 league titles, 21 FA Cups, 16 League Cups, 37 FA Community Shields, nine European Cups, four UEFA Cups, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, five UEFA Super Cups, one Intercontinental Cup and two FIFA Club World Cups between them.

Did You Know?

• Michael Owen scored both goals for Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup Final.
• Teddy Sheringham scored the only goal for Manchester United in the 2001 FA Cup Final.
• The match ended 2–1 in regular time, not 3–1 after extra time.
• Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup in 2000–01, a cup treble, not a domestic treble.