ON this day in 1987, Manchester United player Liam O’Brien was sent off after just 85 seconds for a foul on Southampton's Mark Dennis.

The January 3 fixture finished as a 1-1 draw at the Dell despite an opening goal just minutes later from Nick Holmes.

Jesper Olsen levelled for the Red Devils, who were down to 10 men at the earliest point in their history thanks to the red card issued to O'Brien.

O'Brien was said to be distraught with the match being televised in his home country, the Republic of Ireland, with friends and family watching on. 

O'Brien's opening-minute challenge on Saints defender Dennis was deemed a red card but Dennis himself had an interesting disciplinary record.

Daily Echo: Mark Dennis in action for Saints in an iconic Draper Tools kitMark Dennis in action for Saints in an iconic Draper Tools kit (Image: Daily Echo)

Streatham-born Dennis was known as 'Psycho' by the Saints faithful and he went on to be sent off 12 times in his career. 

Dennis made 129 appearances for Saints between 1983-1987 and went on to hold working roles in the local area both in and out of football