In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season, Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield, ending a near-decade-long winless streak at the iconic venue. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United in the 2nd minute, while Cody Gakpo equalized in the 78th. But it was Harry Maguire who sealed the win with a towering header in the 84th minute, handing Ruben Amorim his most significant victory since taking charge of United.
Teams – Lineups and Absentees
Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, lined up with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, deputizing for the injured Alisson Becker (hamstring). The back line featured Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, and Ibrahima Konaté, with midfield anchored by Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai more advanced. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Alexander Isak led the attack.
Liverpool were missing several key players: Alisson, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić, and Wataru Endo were all sidelined.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, opted for a mobile front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount, supported by Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the middle of the park, flanked by Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo. Senne Lammens started in goal, with Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw as the back line.
Defender Lisandro Martínez was the only absentee.
Match Recap: Drama, Woodwork, and a Late Twist
The match exploded into life almost immediately. Just 62 seconds in, Bryan Mbeumo capitalized on what some see as a defensive mix-up involving Van Dijk and Mac Allister, collecting a pass from Amad Diallo and slotting past Mamardashvili to give United the lead. However, the situation sparked some controversy, as Mac Allister was left on the ground with a head injury, which means referee Michel Oliver probably should’ve stopped the play. But there was no going back from there and United had an early lead.
Liverpool responded with relentless pressure. Gakpo hit the post three times and had a penalty shout waved away as the ball struck Diallo’s arm inside the box. Bruno Fernandes also struck the woodwork, while Isak forced a fine save from Lammens before halftime.
The second half saw Liverpool dominate the contest, but United’s compact 5-4-1 shape frustrated the hosts as the wingbacks slotted back alongside the three defenders. Slot’s substitutions brought fresh energy – particularly Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, and in the 78th minute, Gakpo finally found the net, steering in Chiesa’s low cross.
But United weren’t done. Just six minutes later, Maguire rose highest to meet a Fernandes cross, heading home the winner from close range and silencing Anfield. Gakpo missed a golden chance to equalize again in the dying minutes, heading wide from an even better position after some excellent work on the wing from Frimpong.
Maguire’s Redemption Arc
Often criticized, Harry Maguire delivered when it mattered most. His leadership and aerial dominance were crucial throughout, and his winning goal was a statement moment. After years of scrutiny, Maguire’s performance at Anfield may mark a turning point in his United career, especially after he missed the chance to earn his team victory at the same venue last season.
Liverpool’s Set-Piece Vulnerability
For the seventh consecutive game, Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet. Their inability to defend crosses—highlighted by Maguire’s winner—raises tactical concerns, particularly given the size of players like Van Dijk, Konate and Gravenberch. Slot’s side has now lost four straight matches, three of them in the Premier League; a worrying trend for a team with title ambitions.
Gakpo’s Mixed Night
Cody Gakpo was everywhere—hitting the post three times, scoring the equalizer, and missing a sitter late on. His movement and shooting looked sharp, but the lack of clinical edge cost Liverpool dearly.
Still, he remains one of the few bright spots in a faltering attack.
Amorim’s Tactical Victory
Ruben Amorim outmaneuvered Slot with a disciplined game plan. His decision to start Mbeumo and use a mobile front line paid off early, and his team’s defensive shape held firm under pressure.
With back-to-back wins, Amorim may be turning United’s season around, though there’s still a long way to go.
United Rise, Liverpool Slide
The result sees Manchester United climb to 12th in the Premier League with 13 points, while Liverpool drop to 4th, stuck on 15 points after such an abysmal run of results.
Liverpool travel to face Brentford on October 25, followed by a home game against Aston Villa and a tough trip to Manchester City. United host Brighton next, then face Fulham and Arsenal in a challenging run.
With momentum shifting, United will look to build on this landmark win, while Liverpool must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further behind in the title race.
