Red rivals: The 1970s

Ch... ch... ch... changes As punk and new wave kicked out the glam era, the look went from platforms and tank tops to sleek Adidas Sambas and Pringle sweaters – with hair by the Thin White Duke, David Bowie. Our decade-by-decade look at the rivalry between United and Liverpool - with the help of fans who've been there and seen it - continues into the 70s, where the Anfield Reds were the major force on the pitch, while the battle raged to be the most stylish – and hardest – off it...

Decade head to head
League: P17 W2 D5 L10
FA Cup: P3 W2 D1 L0
Charity Shield: P1 W0 D1 L0
Overall: P21 W4 D7 L10

The United fan Ian Hough grew up in Salford and started watching United in 1975. Author of the acclaimed Perry Boys, he now lives in the USA and is writing his first novel.

“In May 1977 I went to Cornwall with a mate and his family on holiday. The entire week was scheduled with military precision: a daily 15-mile ramble, without fail. I was a shy kid but made it very clear I wasn’t going anywhere that famous Saturday [21 May, FA Cup final against Liverpool]. I stayed in and watched United thump the Mickeys and overcome the