Jan Mølby’s first-half penalty gave Liverpool a 1–0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield on 3 September 1988. It was their first home league win against United since December 1979.
The early exchanges brought injuries and changes on both sides. Gordon Strachan made way for Peter Davenport, and Liverpool lost Steve McMahon, with Nigel Spackman replacing him. John Barnes and Steve Nicol nevertheless found room down Liverpool’s left, while Jim Leighton’s saves kept United in the match.
Barnes created the decisive opening in the 38th minute. A challenge from Viv Anderson inside the penalty area brought no award, but shortly afterwards Steve Bruce brought him down as he ran across the box. Keith Hackett pointed to the spot. Leighton was booked for protesting, then beaten by Mølby’s penalty.
Bruce Grobbelaar saved Anderson’s header, and United’s improvement after half-time failed to produce an equaliser. Ian Rush, introduced for John Aldridge late on, missed an opportunity to extend Liverpool’s lead.
Liverpool had won their first two league matches without conceding, following a 3–0 opening victory at Charlton.