Harry Maguire’s late header earned Manchester United a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, extending the hosts’ losing streak to four matches, their worst run in eleven years and ending United’s near decade-long wait for a win on Merseyside.
The 84th-minute goal sealed back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time under Ruben Amorim and lifted United to ninth in the table, just two points behind their historic rivals. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, however, the defeat leaves them four points adrift of leaders Arsenal and facing growing uncertainty after a summer that saw almost £450 million spent on new signings.
United struck almost immediately as Bryan Mbeumo silenced Anfield in the opening minute. The Cameroonian burst past Virgil van Dijk with ease before firing past Giorgi Mamardashvili following a clever pass from Amad Diallo. Liverpool protested that play should have been stopped after Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury in the build-up, but referee Paul Tierney waved play on.
It was a nightmare start for the home side, who came into the match desperate to stop a rare losing streak. Slot, under pressure to find balance between attack and defence, once again left £100 million signing Florian Wirtz on the bench.
Liverpool’s first real chance came when Cody Gakpo struck the post from Mohamed Salah’s through ball, their only fluent move of the first half. United, meanwhile, could have been further ahead when Bruno Fernandes struck the outside of the post after being left unmarked at the edge of the box.
At the other end, United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had little to do but produced a sharp save to deny Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £125 million record signing, his first Premier League goal.
Liverpool increased the pressure after the interval. Gakpo twice rattled the woodwork, while Salah squandered a golden opportunity, slicing wide at the far post. Slot then threw caution to the wind, bringing on Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to join Salah, Gakpo and Isak in a five-man attack.
The change paid off briefly when Federico Chiesa, on for Isak, whipped in a low cross that Gakpo converted from close range to level in the 78th minute. But Liverpool’s fragile defence was once again exposed just six minutes later.
Fernandes floated in a looping cross from the right, and Maguire rose unmarked to head past Mamardashvili, sending the travelling supporters into raptures.
Gakpo had a final chance to rescue a point but headed wide with the goal gaping from Jeremie Frimpong’s delivery.
