Manchester United End Nine-Year Anfield Drought as Maguire’s Header Sinks Liverpool’s Title Hopes
Liverpool, England — Manchester United finally ended their nine-year winless streak at Anfield with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool, thanks to a late header from Harry Maguire. The dramatic finish not only reignited United’s Premier League campaign but also dealt a serious blow to Liverpool’s title ambitions under new manager Arne Slot.
United struck early through Bryan Mbeumo’s second-minute opener before Cody Gakpo brought the champions level late in the game. But Maguire’s 84th-minute goal silenced the home crowd and sealed United’s first win at Anfield since 2016 — a result that lifted Rúben Amorim’s men to ninth in the table and within touching distance of their historic rivals.
The defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions, following recent setbacks against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, leaving them four points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Mbeumo’s Early Strike Shocks Anfield
Liverpool’s struggles began almost instantly. Barely two minutes after kickoff, Amad Diallo slipped a clever through-ball to Mbeumo, who breezed past Virgil van Dijk and slotted calmly past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Anfield fell silent as United’s players celebrated in front of their traveling fans. The goal also sparked controversy, as Liverpool supporters and players appealed for the game to be stopped after Alexis Mac Allister went down with a head injury — ironically from a collision with his own captain, van Dijk.
But referee Anthony Taylor allowed play to continue, and United took full advantage, setting the tone for a bruising and fast-paced contest.
Liverpool’s Struggles Continue as United Control the Game
Under mounting pressure, Liverpool found it difficult to regain their rhythm. Arne Slot’s decision to once again leave £85 million signing Florian Wirtz on the bench raised eyebrows, as his team lacked cohesion both in attack and defense.
The defending champions’ first real chance came midway through the first half when Mohamed Salah played a perfect through ball to Cody Gakpo, who struck the post from close range — a miss that summed up Liverpool’s frustrating evening.
Moments later, Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled United’s lead but saw his curling effort hit the outside of the post.
At the other end, Senne Lammens, deputizing in goal for United, produced a brilliant save to deny Alexander Isak his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool in a record £125 million move.
United’s compact defensive structure and composed midfield play frustrated the home side, with Amorim’s men pressing high and closing down spaces effectively.
Liverpool Hit the Woodwork — Again and Again
If luck had been on Liverpool’s side, the outcome might have been different. Early in the second half, Gakpo’s deflected cross hit the post — the third time Liverpool struck the woodwork on the night.
Sensing his team’s struggles, Slot turned to his star-studded bench, introducing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike for a combined £200 million attacking overhaul. They joined Salah, Gakpo, and Isak in a five-man frontline designed to overwhelm United’s defense.
But despite the firepower, Liverpool’s finishing continued to falter. Salah, the top scorer in this historic rivalry, had a golden chance to equalize when Wirtz’s pass found him at the far post — only for the Egyptian to slice wide with the goal gaping.
The groans from the Anfield faithful said it all.
Gakpo Finally Breaks Through — But Maguire Has the Final Word
Liverpool’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute. Substitute Federico Chiesa, on the field for barely two minutes, delivered a sharp low cross that Gakpo tucked home from close range. The stadium erupted in relief and hope — but it wouldn’t last long.
Just six minutes later, United restored their lead. Captain Bruno Fernandes floated a looping cross into the box, and Harry Maguire, unmarked at the back post, powered a header past Mamardashvili to make it 2-1.
It was a captain’s goal — commanding, timely, and decisive. United’s bench exploded in celebration as Amorim clenched his fists on the sideline, knowing what this win meant for his rebuilding project.
Liverpool, desperate for an equalizer, pushed forward frantically. Gakpo had another golden opportunity late on but headed wide from Jeremie Frimpong’s inviting cross.
When the final whistle blew, Manchester United’s players embraced each other in relief and jubilation. For Liverpool, the defeat was their first league loss at Anfield in more than a year — and a devastating blow in their pursuit of a record 21st English league title.
Maguire: “It Means Everything to Us”
Speaking after the match, Harry Maguire couldn’t hide his emotion.
“It has been a long time coming to come to this ground and pick up three points,” Maguire told Sky Sports. “It means everything to the club, the boys, and especially the fans. It’s more than just three points — it’s about pride, belief, and showing that Manchester United are still a force.”
His words echoed the relief felt across the United camp, as Amorim’s men finally found consistency with back-to-back league wins for the first time under the Portuguese manager.
Van Dijk Calls for Unity Amid Liverpool’s Crisis
For Virgil van Dijk and his Liverpool teammates, the defeat signaled a growing crisis.
“It’s a tough time, but we have to stick together,” the Liverpool captain said. “Not just as players, but as a club — the fans, the staff, everyone. We must stay humble, keep working, and believe that things will turn around.”
He urged his teammates to maintain confidence despite the slump. “When things get tough, it’s important we keep the mentality of being there for each other. It’s a long season,” he added.
Arne Slot Under Pressure After Costly Defeats
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot, who spent nearly £450 million ($604 million) in the transfer market to refresh his squad, is now under increasing scrutiny. The team’s defensive instability, lack of creativity in midfield, and misfiring forward line have left fans questioning his tactical approach.
With four defeats in a row and key players struggling for form, the pressure is mounting as Liverpool prepare for a crucial run of fixtures. Slot’s decision to persist with out-of-form stars and bench creative players like Wirtz has fueled debate among pundits and supporters alike.
United Rising Under Amorim
In contrast, United’s win marks a potential turning point under Rúben Amorim. After enduring early-season criticism, the Portuguese coach has now guided his team to consecutive league victories and a major confidence boost against their fiercest rivals.
United’s balance between discipline and aggression stood out — with Fernandes orchestrating play, Mbeumo and Diallo stretching the defense, and Maguire leading from the back.
This victory not only lifted United to ninth place but also placed them within just two points of Liverpool, reigniting hopes of a top-four challenge.
Looking Ahead: Contrasting Futures for Two Giants
As the dust settles on another memorable Anfield showdown, both teams face crucial weeks ahead.
For Liverpool, the focus will be on regrouping quickly to stay in the title race. Arsenal’s four-point lead now looms large, and any further slip-ups could prove fatal.
For Manchester United, this win could be the spark they’ve been searching for — a moment to rebuild momentum, trust, and belief under Amorim’s leadership.
It may be “just three points,” as Maguire said — but at Anfield, this one felt like much more.