Manchester United Stuns Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield

 Maguire’s Late Header Secures First Anfield Victory Since 2016 in Thrilling Derby

LIVERPOOL 1 - 2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Goal Scorer	Team	Minute
Bryan Mbeumo	Manchester United	2'
Cody Gakpo	Liverpool	78'
Harry Maguire	Manchester United	84'

Manchester United clinched a monumental 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield, marking their first win at the ground since 2016. The match, characterized by drama, controversy, and high-octane action, was ultimately decided by a powerful late header from centre-back Harry Maguire, who was justly named Player of the Match.

First Half: A Controversial Start

The contest exploded into life just 62 seconds after the whistle, albeit under a cloud of controversy. Manchester United's opener came from Bryan Mbeumo, who connected with an assist from Amad Diallo to shock the home crowd. However, Liverpool was left incensed after the goal was allowed to stand.

In the build-up, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister went down following a collision with Virgil van Dijk and required treatment, eventually playing on with protective headgear. The referee, Michael Oliver, did not stop play as he reportedly missed the initial incident, and VAR was unable to intervene as no foul had been committed. This controversial decision set a frantic, aggressive tone for the rest of the half, with United holding their narrow, fortune-aided lead.

Second Half: Liverpool’s Relentless Pressure

The second half saw Liverpool launch a relentless siege on the United goal, desperate to level the score. The pressure was immense, with Cody Gakpo proving particularly unlucky, hitting the woodwork on three separate occasions. Mohamed Salah also missed two significant chances, reflecting a wider struggle for sharpness among Liverpool’s usually lethal attacking line.

The equalizer finally arrived in the 78th minute, providing what seemed like a turning point for the hosts. Substitute Federico Chiesa delivered a low cross into the box, and Cody Gakpo was finally rewarded for his efforts, tucking the ball home to make it 1-1. The atmosphere at Anfield immediately shifted, and it felt as though Liverpool was primed to push on for a winner.

The Decisive Moment: Maguire’s Triumph

In classic derby fashion, the momentum quickly reversed. Just six minutes after the equalizer, Manchester United delivered the knockout blow. From a precise set-piece delivery by captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire rose highest in the Liverpool box to powerfully guide his header past the goalkeeper, restoring the lead for United in the 84th minute. The goal sent the travelling Manchester United supporters into jubilant celebrations and silenced the Anfield crowd. Despite a late rally from Liverpool, which included another missed opportunity from Gakpo, United held firm to secure a momentous 2-1 victory.

Implications and Aftermath

This result has major implications for both clubs. For Manchester United, the win is a massive psychological boost, ending a long drought at Anfield and securing back-to-back Premier League victories under new manager Ruben Amorim. It also moves them within just two points of Liverpool in the league table.

For Liverpool, the defeat is a significant blow to their title hopes and confidence, condemning them to a fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions. Manager Arne Slot will face tough questions regarding the team's finishing ability and ability to see out games after creating numerous chances, leaving them four points adrift of the league leaders, Arsenal.