Liverpool stunned at Anfield: Maguire header seals historic win for Manchester United

 

Manchester United ended a nine‑year wait for victory at Anfield with a dramatic 2–1 win over Liverpool, sealed by Harry Maguire’s towering late header. United, who had not triumphed at Liverpool’s ground since 2016, struck inside the opening minute when Bryan Mbeumo stunned the home crowd with the fastest goal in the history of this fixture. Liverpool, dominant in possession and relentless in attack, eventually levelled through Cody Gakpo midway through the second half. But just as Anfield sensed a winner for the hosts, Maguire rose highest to nod in Bruno Fernandes’ cross six minutes from time, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

 

For much of the evening, United were forced to defend deep and in numbers. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was pivotal, producing five saves to deny Liverpool during sustained periods of pressure. Amorim’s side committed 14 fouls, picked up two yellow cards, and managed just 16 touches in the opposition box, underlining the backs‑to‑the‑wall nature of their performance. Yet their defensive organisation was impressive. Maguire, Shaw, and de Ligt marshalled the back line with authority

 

Arne Slot’s side will rue their missed chances. Liverpool registered 19 shots, with six on target and 11 off target, and struck the woodwork three times. They completed 476 passes at 86% accuracy, won nine corners, and enjoyed 63.3% possession. Their expected goals tally of 2.76 reflected the volume of chances created but not converted. Cody Gakpo was their most dangerous outlet, finally rewarded with a goal after persistent pressure, but Mohamed Salah and Alexandar Isak both spurned opportunities. This defeat, a worrying trend that marks Liverpool’s fourth consecutive league loss, their worst run since 2014. Once renowned for their ruthlessness in front of goal, Slot’s men have now failed to turn dominance into points, slipping further behind the early leaders.

 

For Manchester United, is this a turning point for United? The narrative feels very different. This was their second consecutive league win under new manager Ruben Amorim, the first time he has achieved back‑to‑back victories since taking charge. The manner of the triumph, gritty, opportunistic, and achieved in one of the most hostile environments in English football suggests a side beginning to find its identity.

The statistics underline the paradox of the contest: Liverpool dominated territory and possession, but United were ruthless in the few moments that mattered. For United, the win lifts them into the top half of the Premier League table and provides a huge morale boost. If Amorim can build on this momentum, his side may yet re‑enter the conversation for European qualification. For Liverpool, a third straight defeat leaves their title defence in jeopardy and raises questions about whether Slot can quickly arrest the slide.

 

More than just three points for Manchester United, it was a symbolic victory that ended a nine‑year wait at Anfield, silenced their fiercest rivals, and gave Amorim the signature result he desperately needed. Whether it becomes a genuine turning point will depend on consistency, but for the first time this season, United look like a team with momentum.

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