Harry Maguire’s towering header deep into the final minutes handed Manchester United a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday night, ending nearly a decade-long winless streak at the iconic ground and plunging the Reds deeper into crisis.
It was a night filled with drama, controversy, and emotion as United produced a resilient display to secure their first triumph at Anfield since January 2016. The win marks a huge boost for Erik ten Hag’s side, who have now recorded back-to-back victories in the Premier League, while Liverpool’s alarming run of form continues with their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.
United strike early amid controversy
The game started at a frantic pace with both sides showing early intent. However, it was Manchester United who drew first blood in controversial fashion inside two minutes.
Referee Michael Oliver waved play on after Alexis Mac Allister went down clutching his head following an accidental collision with his own teammate, Virgil van Dijk. United took full advantage of Liverpool’s disorganization, launching a quick counterattack that ended with Bryan Mbeumo calmly slotting home past stand-in goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The goal immediately sparked protests from Liverpool players and fans, who felt the game should have been stopped for a head injury. Nevertheless, the referee’s decision stood, and United celebrated a dream start at Anfield.
Gakpo’s persistence finally pays off
After conceding early, Liverpool regained their composure and pushed relentlessly for an equalizer. The hosts dominated possession for large parts of the first half, with Cody Gakpo emerging as their main attacking threat. The Dutch forward rattled the crossbar midway through the opening period and struck the post again just before halftime as United’s defense held firm under pressure.
Liverpool continued to press after the break, with chances falling to Luis Díaz and Dominik Szoboszlai, but United goalkeeper Senne Lammens — making only his second Premier League start — produced a string of outstanding saves to keep the visitors ahead.
Eventually, Liverpool’s persistence paid off in the 78th minute. Gakpo found space inside the six-yard box and poked home a deflected effort following a scramble, sending Anfield into relief and hope of a comeback.
Maguire delivers late shocker
Just when Liverpool appeared poised to push for a winner, Harry Maguire delivered the ultimate blow. With six minutes left on the clock, United won a corner, and Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfect cross into the box. Maguire rose highest, towering above Van Dijk to thump a powerful header past Mamardashvili, silencing Anfield and sending the traveling United fans into delirium.
The goal marked Maguire’s first of the season and capped an impressive performance from the English defender, who also made several key clearances and interceptions throughout the game.
Moments later, Liverpool nearly equalized through Darwin Núñez, but Lammens once again stood tall, denying the Uruguayan striker in a dramatic one-on-one save that preserved United’s lead.
Reds’ form in freefall
The defeat adds more misery to Liverpool’s recent slump. Having lost their previous three matches, including a shock defeat to Brentford and an EFL Cup exit, this latest loss represents their worst run since 2014 during Brendan Rodgers’ reign.
Questions are now mounting over the team’s lack of cohesion and defensive fragility, while United’s resurgence under Erik ten Hag continues to gather momentum.
The result also means that Manchester United climb back into the top four race, while Liverpool slide further down the standings, facing increasing pressure to rediscover their winning formula.
For United fans, this victory will be savored for years — a long-awaited triumph at Anfield, sealed by an unlikely hero and a display of grit, resilience, and belief.