Manchester United ended a long-standing drought at Anfield with a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool, thanks to a last-minute header from Harry Maguire. The victory marked United’s first away triumph over their fierce rivals since 2016, closing the gap to the Premier League champions to just two points and breathing new life into Ruben Amorim’s campaign.
Electric Start Sets the Tone
United silenced the Anfield faithful just over a minute into the contest. A swift move saw Bruno Fernandes spray the ball wide to Amad Diallo, who threaded a pass into the path of Bryan Mbeumo. The forward calmly slotted the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili, scoring the second-earliest goal in this fixture’s Premier League history.
Controversy immediately followed, as Liverpool players and fans were left furious that the game wasn’t halted for a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister, who had collided with Virgil van Dijk moments before the goal.
Liverpool Rattle the Post Twice
Despite the early setback, Liverpool gradually gained control. Cody Gakpo came inches from equalising when his curling effort struck the post midway through the first half. United nearly made it 2-0 minutes later when Amad set up Fernandes, but the Portuguese playmaker’s strike also hit the woodwork.
The match continued at a frantic pace, with United carving out more chances. Mbeumo and Mason Mount both tested Mamardashvili, but the Liverpool keeper held firm. On the other end, United’s Senne Lammens was called into action, denying Alexander Isak and seeing a deflected cross from Gakpo clip the bar.
Liverpool’s Second-Half Surge
After the break, Liverpool came out with renewed intensity. Mohamed Salah’s delivery found Gakpo at the back post, and while the Dutchman took his time to shape a shot, his effort once again clattered the upright — the third time Liverpool hit the woodwork.
Sensing the momentum shift, both managers made triple substitutions around the hour mark. Arne Slot packed his attack, and the decision finally paid off. Federico Chiesa whipped in a low cross that was turned in by Gakpo, sending Anfield into raptures with a deserved equaliser.
Maguire the Hero in a Thrilling Finale
Just as Liverpool looked poised to complete the comeback, United struck a hammer blow in the 84th minute. Fernandes, pulling the strings once again, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Harry Maguire rose highest to power home the winner.
Liverpool threw bodies forward in the closing minutes, but United’s defense held firm under pressure. The Red Devils celebrated their first set of back-to-back league wins under Amorim, while Liverpool slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions — and a third straight league loss.
