Five goals, two Carragher OGs, Hyypia’s first Liverpool goal, a red card and the blind Venetian’s best game…
Whenever JOE thinks of awful ‘keepers that have played in the Premier League the name of Massimo Taibi usually springs to mind.
When Peter Schmiechel left the club after their Champions league sucess in ’99, Sir Alex Ferguson could’t have imagined the problems that we would encounter in finding a decent replacement to fill the Great Dane’s gloves.
On the eve of the match against their fiercest rivals, United had injuries to both their first and second choice goalkeepers, Mark Bosnich and Raimond van der Gouw.
As the game at Anfield edged closer Fergie paid £4.5m to Venezia to land Taibi and his debut, 15 years ago today, was eventful to say the least.
Jamie Carragher scored an unstoppable own goal to give United the lead and they doubled their advantage when Andy Cole rose unchallenged to head past the defenceless Westerveld.
Taibi gave Liverpool a lifeline when he completely flapped at free-kick allowing Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia to score his first goal for the club.
Carragher notched his 2nd og of the match to restore United’s two goal lead before Patrick Berger ensured a rousing finish with a well taken goal.
Andy Cole was sent off with 20 mins left but Taibi redeemed his earlier error with two point-blank saves from Smicer and Fowler.
Take a look at the highlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UEoQ61HMgE
Clip via – Manchester United Supporters
Sadly for Man Utd fans game proved to be the high point of Taibi’s brief and calamitous career at Old Trafford.
We all know what happens in this clip against Southampton right?
Clip via – shazjnr
This hilarious gaf coupled with a 5-0 hammering against Chelsea sealed his faith as the Italian was turfed off to Reggina for £2.5m.
Thanks for the memories Massimo, you helped prove our theory that most ‘keepers who wear trousers whilst playing are a bit shite.
