Maguire the hero for Manchester United

Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United

Harry Maguire’s late header earned Manchester United their first win at Anfield in almost a decade and deepened Liverpool’s woes with a fourth consecutive defeat.

Author | Liam C

Stadium | Anfield

Cody Gakpo had seemingly ended Liverpool’s losing run with a close-range finish 12 minutes from time, but Maguire rose to glance the ball beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili six minutes later to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory for Ruben Amorim’s side.

Gakpo, who struck the woodwork three times during the match, was Liverpool’s main threat in an otherwise chaotic afternoon. United had stunned the home crowd by taking the lead inside two minutes, though the goal came in controversial circumstances. Referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue despite Alexis Mac Allister lying on the turf with a head injury following an accidental clash with Virgil van Dijk. Bryan Mbeumo wasted no time in finishing past Mamardashvili, deputising for the injured Alisson.

In an open and frantic first half, United captain Bruno Fernandes missed a gilt-edged chance to extend the lead, firing wide with the goal gaping. Liverpool, meanwhile, were repeatedly denied by the frame of the goal, with Gakpo striking the post and bar twice before half-time and again in front of the Kop after the break.

United’s new Belgian goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, also impressed, racing off his line to deny Alexander Isak in a one-on-one.

The second half continued at a frenetic pace, but it was Maguire’s decisive header that proved the difference, sealing United’s first Anfield triumph since January 2016. For Liverpool, the defeat marked their worst run since November 2014, during Brendan Rodgers’ final months in charge.

Best Man United fan reaction

Olivia T said: “A massive result and the first time Ruben Amorim has managed consecutive Premier League wins. What a day!”

Matty P commented: “Football is about moments and creating memories. Today was one of those special days.”

Gary added: “It’s a brilliant place for us to get a win. There’s a big run of games coming up, the manager’s under pressure, and they’ve produced something when it mattered. Now they need to make sure this is the start of a proper run.”