In one of the most anticipated games of the Premier League season, Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield, ending a nearly 10-year winning streak at the iconic venue. United took the lead in the second minute through Brian Mbeumo, before Kodi Gakpo equalized in the 78th minute. But it was Harry Maguire who sealed the victory with a stunning header in the 84th minute, giving Ruben Amorim his most important victory since taking over as United manager.
Team – Lineup and absentees
Liverpool, coached by Arne Slott, had Giorgi Mamadashvili in goal in place of injured Alisson Becker (hamstring). The backline consisted of Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkes and Ibrahima Konate, while the midfield was anchored by Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenbirch and Dominik Szoboszlai. Mohamed Salah, Kodi Gakpo and Alexander Isak led the attack.
Liverpool were without several key players, with Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Vicetic and Wataru Endo all absent.
Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, opted for a mobile front three of Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, supported by Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the center of the park, flanked by Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo. Senne Ramens started in goal, with Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw in the back line.
Defender Lisandro Martinez was the only absentee.
Match Recap: Drama, Woodwork, and Ending Twist
The match quickly became explosive. United took the lead just 62 seconds into the game when Brian Mbeumo took advantage of some defensive confusion from Van Dijk and Mac Allister to collect a pass from Amad Diallo and slot it past Mamadashvili. However, the situation was controversial, with Mac Allister left on the ground with a head injury, and whether referee Michelle Oliver should have stopped the play. But from there there was no turning back and United took an early lead.
Liverpool responded with relentless pressure. Gakpo hit the post three times and a penalty scream was waved away when the ball hit Diallo’s arm inside the box. Bruno Fernandes also had a woodwork shot, but Isak was forced into a fine save from Rammens before half-time.
Liverpool dominated the game in the second half, but United’s compact 5-4-1 shape frustrated the hosts, with their wing-backs falling back alongside three defenders. The slot changes brought fresh energy, especially to Jeremy Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, and in the 78th minute Chiesa’s low cross was finally found by Gakpo who found the back of the net.
But United weren’t finished. Just six minutes later, Maguire rose highest to meet Fernandes’ cross and score the winner from close range, silencing Anfield. Ngakpo missed a golden chance to equalize again in the closing stages, but headed wide from an even more advantageous position after some great work on the wing from Frimpong.
Maguire’s Redemption
Although often criticized, Harry Maguire has had the right things to say when it mattered most. His leadership and aerial dominance were crucial throughout and his winning goal was a decisive moment. After years of scrutiny, Maguire’s performance at Anfield could prove to be a turning point in his United career, especially after missing out on a chance to lead his team to victory at the same venue last season.
Liverpool’s set piece vulnerability
Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive games. Their inability to defend against crosses, highlighted by Maguire’s winner, raises tactical concerns, especially given the size of players like Van Dijk, Konate and Grabenwerch. Slott’s team has now lost four games in a row, three of which have come in the Premier League. This is a worrying trend for teams aiming for the title.
Gakpo’s mix night
Kodi Gakpo was all over the place, hitting the post three times to score the equalizer and removing a player late in the game. His movement and shooting looked sharp, but his lack of clinical edge cost Liverpool dearly.
Still, he remains one of the few bright spots in a sluggish offense.
Amorim’s tactical victory
Ruben Amorim defeated Slot with a disciplined game plan. His decision to start Mbeumo and use a mobile front line paid off early on, with the team’s defensive form holding firm under pressure.
There is still a long way to go, but with back-to-back wins Amorim could turn United’s season around.
United Rise, Liverpool Slide
As a result, Manchester United moved up to 12th place in the Premier League with 13 points, while Liverpool slipped to 4th place with 15 points due to such a poor performance.
Liverpool face Brentford on October 25th, followed by a home game against Aston Villa and a tough away trip to Manchester City. United next host Brighton before facing tough fixtures against Fulham and Arsenal.
With the momentum shifting, United will look to build on this landmark victory, while Liverpool will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the title race.