Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim hailed his side’s 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield as a landmark victory — their first at the iconic ground since 2016. Yet despite the emotional high, the Portuguese boss insists the true test of United’s progress will come in their next outing. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was left to rue his team’s poor finishing and fragile set-piece defending as their form continues to spiral.
United Stun Liverpool in Rare Anfield Win
Harry Maguire emerged as the unlikely hero, heading home a late winner to give Manchester United a dramatic victory over their fiercest rivals. The win not only snapped an Anfield drought dating back nearly a decade but also marked United’s first set of back-to-back Premier League victories since Amorim’s appointment.
“This was the biggest win of my time here,” said Amorim post-match. “But it only means something if we follow it up next week.”
Bryan Mbeumo gave United an early lead inside just 61 seconds, setting the tone for a high-tempo encounter. Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled the advantage, only to be denied by the post, while Cody Gakpo rattled the woodwork three times before finally drawing Liverpool level in the 78th minute.
However, Maguire, who had missed a similar opportunity in January’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, made no mistake this time, converting Fernandes’s cross to seal the win.
Amorim Demands Consistency Amid United Revival
While the result brought joy to United fans — especially after humiliating defeats to Grimsby and Brentford earlier this season — Amorim was clear in his message: the journey is far from over.
“It was important for our fans to see this response,” he said. “They’ve been through a lot this season. But we need to show the same desire and discipline against Brighton. That will say more about us.”
United’s resurgence has lifted them to ninth in the table, just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, suggesting the top-four race is far from settled.
Liverpool’s Fragile Defense and Missed Chances Cost Them Again
Arne Slot didn’t mince words after Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat — a slump not seen since 2014. Despite creating a flurry of chances, the Reds could only convert once, a statistic that continues to frustrate their Dutch manager.
“If you told me we’d create ten chances, I’d say we’d win,” said Slot. “But our finishing was poor, and defensively on set-pieces, we were second-best again.”
New signing Alexander Isak was denied his first Liverpool goal thanks to a sharp save from Senne Lammens, while Mohamed Salah and Gakpo both spurned golden opportunities in front of goal.
The defeat leaves Liverpool four points off league leaders Arsenal, and with serious questions mounting over their ability to stay in the title hunt.
