Bob Paisley's recently crowned League Cup winners headed into this April clash as Division One leaders having put together a run of five consecutive victories in the league.

United, under new boss Ron Atkinson, had occupied the number one spot early in the season but had slipped five points behind the Reds.

Bruce Grobbelaar's penalty save from Frank Stapleton and Craig Johnston's 63rd-minute winner at Old Trafford made sure there would be no title revival for the hosts, while the Reds would secure yet another championship.