By Paul Fletcher BBC Sport in Cardiff

Legends collided at the Millennium Stadium for the final of the much-maligned Worthington Cup.

Evidence of it was everywhere, on the flags showing Bill Shankly and Eric Cantona, in the songs the supporters sang and the football shirts they wore with 'treble' emblazoned across the back.

Manchester United and Liverpool - two of the biggest clubs in the land - added meaning and prestige to a competition that seems to spend most of its time justifying its existence.

It was a worthy end for a tournament that has enjoyed something of a renaissance this season, boasting more of its fair share of giantkilling, exciting games and a glamour final.

Liverpool deserved their victory Cardiff action in photos

The fans of both teams had been pouring into Cardiff all morning, scarves hanging from car windows hinting at the atmosphere that lay in store.

By noon Westgate, the road which runs along the stadium, was packed with supporters basking in the spring sunshine and boosting the profit margins at the local hostelries.

With an hour still to go to kick-off, the ground began to fill and the chanting started in earnest.

Under the closed roof at this magnificent arena it created a noise of thunderous proportions.

The atmosphere was unmistakably one of fierce rivalry and helped create a fitting sense of occasion.

Boasts were volleyed back and forth from one end of the ground to the other as both sets of fans reminded their counterparts of their achievements.

Only when the stadium announcer brought news of a possible victory for England over Australia in the cricket did the stadium unite as one.

Fears of a repeat of the atrocious 1996 FA Cup Final between the two clubs proved unfounded.

Ebb and flow

A slow start maybe, but the match eventually found its rhythm and the chances came thick and fast as a frenetic final started to justify its billing.

Man Utd laid siege to the Liverpool goal, desperate for an equaliser, while Gerard Houllier's team absorbed the pressure, rode their luck and tried to hit the opposition on the counter-attack.

By this stage the chants had largely subsided and the noise from the two sets of fans reflected the ebb and flow of the match.

It all changed with Michael Owen's goal.

With just minutes remaining the United fans left in droves, not surprisingly opting to get a head start on the journey home rather than watch Liverpool collect the cup.

Liverpool's supporters, who regard the Millennium Stadium as their second home, started to celebrate winning another trophy under Houllier's management.

United, on the other hand, may have blown their best chance of silverware this season and the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy are still waiting to win a trophy at a club that expects nothing less than success.

The Dutch striker watched Liverpool lift the cup, kicked the turf in frustration and trudged off to the dressing room.

Try telling him the Worthington Cup was worthless.