Harry Maguire’s dramatic late header secured Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield in nearly a decade, ending a nine-year drought and compounding Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
United stunned the home crowd with a 2-1 win, courtesy of Maguire’s decisive strike six minutes from time — a goal that capped a pulsating Premier League clash between two fierce rivals.
Gakpo’s Strike Not Enough as Maguire Inspires United Comeback
Cody Gakpo looked to have rescued Liverpool’s fortunes when he struck from close range with 12 minutes remaining, having earlier hit the woodwork three times. However, United refused to relent, with Maguire rising highest to head past Giorgi Mamardashvili and seal a famous win for Ruben Amorim’s side.
United made a flying start, taking the lead inside two minutes in controversial fashion. Referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue despite Alexis Mac Allister lying injured after an accidental elbow from Virgil van Dijk. From the ensuing play, Bryan Mbeumo pounced to fire United ahead.
Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, while Gakpo’s luckless afternoon saw him denied three times by the frame of the goal and later head wide from point-blank range.
United’s new Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed with key saves, including a one-on-one stop from Alexander Isak, before Maguire’s towering header sealed a long-awaited victory — United’s first at Anfield since January 2016.
Liverpool Analysis: Arne Slot Faces Mounting Pressure
For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, this latest loss intensifies scrutiny over his side’s form. The Reds have now suffered four straight defeats — their worst run since November 2014 under Brendan Rodgers.
Despite investing over £450 million in new signings, Liverpool look far from the dominant force that stormed to last season’s Premier League title. Their defensive frailties were again exposed within minutes, while their attacking rhythm faltered despite Gakpo’s best efforts.
The Anfield crowd voiced growing frustration as their team appeared short of energy, ideas, and composure. A stoppage-time miss from Gakpo summed up the Reds’ evening — one of missed chances and mounting pressure.
What once seemed like a temporary dip in form now feels like a genuine crisis.
Manchester United Analysis: Maguire Silences Critics Once Again
Harry Maguire’s name now joins an elite list of Manchester United players who have scored decisive goals at Anfield — including legends such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Robin van Persie.
Once deemed surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag, Maguire’s resurgence under Amorim has been remarkable. Despite facing heavy criticism and transfer speculation, the England defender has reasserted himself as a key leader in United’s backline.
Amorim’s decision to start Maguire ahead of Leny Yoro paid dividends, with the centre-back dominating aerially and keeping his composure during Liverpool’s relentless late pressure. His match-winning header not only secured Amorim’s second straight league victory but also symbolised United’s fighting spirit.
In an era obsessed with stats and analytics, Maguire continues to prove that character, resilience, and leadership remain priceless qualities — and on this night at Anfield, those traits made all the difference.
Final Score: Liverpool 1–2 Manchester United
Goals: Mbeumo (2’), Gakpo (78’), Maguire (84’)
