Liverpool 1–2 Manchester United: Maguire header quiets Anfield as Reds manage fourth straight defeat

Harry Maguire headed the winning goal after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s controversial opener, condemning Liverpool to a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time since 2014.

Maguire’s 84th-minute header sealed Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016, guiding in Bruno Fernandes’s teasing cross just six minutes after Gakpo had levelled from close range.

The game exploded into life after only 62 seconds when Bryan Mbeumo beat Giorgi Mamardashvili from Amad Diallo’s incisive pass, leaving Anfield stunned.

It was United’s night as Fernandes floated a delicate cross to the back post for Maguire who rose highest to bury his header in the back of the net

Liverpool were furious that play was not stopped for a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister, who had gone down moments earlier after colliding with Virgil van Dijk.Mac Allister required lengthy treatment and was forced to continue wearing protective headgear. VAR could not intervene, with guidance from the Premier League Match Centre later clarifying that referee Michael Oliver had not seen the incident.

That controversial opener set the tone for a fiercely contested encounter. Bruno Fernandes showed great composure to switch play to the right flank for Diallo. His confidence and precision unlocked Liverpool’s defence as Van Dijk’s shaky positioning was punished with Mbeumo slotting home to make it 1–0.

Liverpool gradually grew into the match, with Mohamed Salah drifting into the number ten position to feed Gakpo, who struck the post. The Dutch forward was denied again when he looped the ball towards the back post only to find no teammate arriving to finish. Alexander Isak then went through on goal but was thwarted by young Manchester United goalkeeper Maarten Lammens from close range.

Liverpool kept pressing. Substitute Federico Chiesa found Gakpo inside the box to finally poke the ball home and draw the sides level, sparking renewed belief around Anfield.

But it was United’s night as Fernandes floated a delicate cross to the back post for Maguire who rose highest to bury his header and score his first goal of the season.

Amorim’s decision to deploy Mbeumo as a number 9 raised eyebrows but proved a stroke of tactical genius. He was not to win the aerial duel with Van Dijk, but to contest it just enough to disrupt Liverpool’s shape, allowing United to seize the second ball and play Cunha into the vacant space away from both centre-backs.

Every player gave everything, but it did not work out for us

Arne Slot Liverpool Head Coach

Maguire’s inclusion ahead of Leny Yoro puzzled some fans, yet Ruben Amorim’s faith in his set piece threat was emphatically justified. It warrants the question: should Maguire be on the plane for Tuchel this summer for this leadership and aerial threat?

Maguire excelled defensively too, winning headers, making key clearances, and organising the back line.
United needed fortune on their side, as Gakpo struck the woodwork three times before scoring, but Maguire’s resilience ensured they left with all three points.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on the missed opportunities: “We had more than enough chances to score. Mo missed a big one, others too. We are not used to this,” he told Sky Sports, “We needed a goal, and someone to create something in that end phase. Every player gave everything, but it did not work out for us.”

United boss Ruben Amorim meanwhile, downplayed the wider significance of the result: “It means a lot today, but tomorrow it will not mean a lot. It is three points but a good victory. I will do the same as always, watch it back and prepare for the next one.”

For Liverpool, the questions grow louder. For Maguire and Manchester United, it was a night of vindication and perhaps the moment their season truly began.