Manchester United tasted victory at Anfield for the first time in nearly a decade.
Within moments of kick-off, United struck the back of the net. Liverpool, reeling from three consecutive defeats, finally found a breakthrough in the second half, but could not turn the tide. Manchester United’s inspired performance earned them a spectacular 2-1 win.
After falling behind to Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike, Liverpool were pegged back by Cody Gakpo. Shortly after, Harry Maguire restored United’s lead, sealing the historic triumph.
This win ended a long Anfield drought for United. Across all competitions, Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
With four wins and one draw from eight matches, United climbed to ninth place with 13 points. Liverpool, missing the chance to move up, remain fourth with 15 points, level on points with Bournemouth in third. Arsenal lead the table with 19 points, followed by Manchester City with 16.
The match started dramatically as United stunned the reigning champions within 63 seconds. Bruno Fernandes found Amad Diallo on the right, who advanced into the box and laid off a quick pass for Bryan Mbeumo to score with a sharp first-touch finish.
Liverpool had a chance to equalize in the 21st minute but were denied by some unfortunate misses. Salah’s pass reached Gakpo in a threatening position, but the shot was blocked by the far post. Three minutes later, another United attack saw Fernandes’ effort hit the near post.
The first half continued with end-to-end action. In the 33rd minute, Gakpo’s another attempt hit the post via a defender’s head.
After the break, Liverpool increased the pressure but were repeatedly denied by poor luck and wasted chances. In the second half’s fifth minute, another Gakpo shot hit the post. Mohamed Salah squandered multiple opportunities in the next 15 minutes, including a golden chance in the 65th minute from inside the box.
Liverpool finally found a goal in the 78th minute after 18 attempts. Substitute Federico Chiesa delivered a precise cross from the left, finding Gakpo, who calmly slotted it home.
United, motivated by conceding, responded six minutes later. Fernandes whipped in a cross from the left, and Maguire rose to head past the goalkeeper for the decisive goal.
Liverpool had lost their previous three matches, including Premier League games at Crystal Palace and Chelsea, and a Champions League tie at Galatasaray. Even at home, Jurgen Klopp’s team could not end their slump.
Meanwhile, United seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Under Ralf Rangnick’s interim successor, Ruben Amorim, United secured back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.
