After the morale improving win against Sunderland at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, United had the international break to wait for their tough challenge but a game fans both love and dread in recent seasons. A trip to Anfield offers a chance to claim back-to-back wins for the first time under Amorim, add to Liverpool’s losing run and completely shift the mood around the footballing landscape who have been heavily critical of United under Ruben Amorim. On the flip-side, a worry remained that an embarrassing result could see yet more scrutiny and pressure on the manager and players, despite the comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Thankfully for all United fans who entered the week in a very positive mood, United went ahead early, put on a strong first half showing and even under constant Liverpool pressure, they held off until just before the 80 minute mark, when Gakpo got his admittedly deserved goal. With Liverpool feeling the confidence that they could go on and claim all three points, enter Mr (soon to be Sir) Harry Maguire…

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Teams

Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Bradley (Jones 62′), Mac Allister (Wirtz 62′), Gravenberch (Ekitike 62′), Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Salah (Frimpong 85′), Isak (Chiesa 72′)

Subs: Woodman, Robertson, Gomez, Ngumoha

Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw (Yoro 85′), Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot, Fernandes (Mainoo 85′), Casemiro (Ugarte 58′), Amad (Dorgu 59′), Mount (Sesko 61′), Mbeumo, Cunha

Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Mazraoui, Zirkzee

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Anfield was drenched in tension and history on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool and Manchester United served up another gripping encounter. In a match that swung from chaos to control and back again, United emerged with a priceless 2–1 victory, their first at Anfield in nearly a decade, thanks to a late Harry Maguire header that stunned the Kop into silence.

The visitors could hardly have dreamed of a better start. Barely a minute had passed when Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, driving low past Alisson to give Manchester United a shock lead. The early goal rattled Liverpool, who struggled to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges, though they soon began to dominate possession. Cody Gakpo was a constant menace, striking the post and bar as Liverpool ramped up the pressure, but United held firm, defending with organisation and intent.

The second half saw Liverpool take control. Arne Slot’s side poured forward relentlessly, and their persistence was finally rewarded in the 78th minute when Gakpo found the net with a composed finish, his goal sparking renewed belief around Anfield. At that point, Liverpool looked the likelier winners, pinning United back and forcing errors as the game ticked towards its closing stages. Yet just when the home crowd sensed a turnaround, United struck the decisive blow.

With six minutes of normal time remaining, a well-delivered corner found Harry Maguire rising highest in the crowd. The defender’s thumping header flew past Alisson to restore United’s lead, sending the away end into delirium. It was a goal that summed up United’s afternoon, disciplined, opportunistic, and full of character. Liverpool threw everything forward in the dying moments, but United’s defence, marshalled superbly by Maguire and Lisandro Martínez, held their ground.

The result will sting for Liverpool, whose fourth consecutive defeat marks their worst run since 2014. They dominated for long periods, created more chances, and yet left empty-handed, a pattern that has begun to worry Slot as he searches for solutions. For Manchester United, though, this was a statement victory under Rúben Amorim. It was a performance built on resilience and efficiency, a reminder of the fight and spirit the club’s supporters demand.

As the final whistle blew, United celebrated a long-awaited triumph at Anfield, while Liverpool were left to reflect on another afternoon of frustration. The balance of power in English football’s fiercest rivalry may not be settled, but for now, Manchester United have the bragging rights, and a result to savour.

Talking Points

Harry Maguire’s redemption arc feels complete. Once the subject of ridicule and doubt, the Manchester United captain has quietly rebuilt his reputation through determination, professionalism, and a string of strong performances, and his towering header at Anfield might just be the crowning moment. In a fixture where leadership and nerve are tested like nowhere else, Maguire delivered both in abundance. His goal wasn’t just a match-winner; it was a statement of resilience, the kind that resonates deeply with fans who have watched his journey from scapegoat to hero.

For Rúben Amorim, this result marks another significant step in his early tenure at United. Back-to-back wins, including one away to Liverpool, signal that his ideas are beginning to take hold. The tactical discipline, defensive structure, and lightning-quick transitions that defined Amorim’s teams in Portugal are now becoming evident in the Premier League. He set his side up to frustrate, absorb pressure, and strike with precision, and the plan worked to perfection. After a stuttering start to the campaign, this victory feels like validation for the manager’s vision and methods.

Beyond tactics and narratives, this was a result that could transform United’s season. Winning at Anfield is rare enough; doing so in such dramatic fashion makes it even sweeter. The manner of the victory, holding firm under intense pressure, then seizing the moment late on, speaks to a team rediscovering its identity and belief. It’s the kind of performance that binds players together and reignites confidence across the squad. For United supporters, this wasn’t just three points; it was a reminder that their team can still rise to the biggest occasions, with heart, grit, and a touch of redemption.