Liverpool 1–2 Man Utd: Maguire’s Late Header Ends United’s Anfield Drought

Harry Maguire silenced Anfield with an 84th-minute header that handed Manchester United their first win at Liverpool’s ground since 2016, condemning the hosts to a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.

The United captain nodded in Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint cross just minutes after Cody Gakpo had drawn Liverpool level, capping off a breathless encounter that saw drama from the opening whistle.

Bryan Mbeumo stunned the crowd less than two minutes in, firing past Giorgi Mamardashvili after being played through by Amad Diallo. However, the goal sparked fury among Liverpool players, who argued play should have been halted after Alexis Mac Allister went down holding his head following a collision with Virgil van Dijk.

Despite Mac Allister requiring treatment and continuing the match with protective headgear, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could not intervene, as no foul was committed in the buildup. The Premier League Match Centre later confirmed referee Michael Oliver didn’t stop play because he hadn’t seen the incident.

That chaotic opening set the tone for a high-tempo contest. Liverpool poured forward in search of an equalizer, but United’s defense held firm, helped by a touch of fortune. Gakpo struck the post three times before finally scoring, slotting home from Federico Chiesa’s low cross to bring the Reds level midway through the second half.

Out-of-form Mohamed Salah also squandered two clear chances that would normally be routine for him. For a moment, it looked as though Liverpool were on course for a comeback win, until Maguire rose highest to head home the winner, sparking wild celebrations from the United bench.

Earlier, Fernandes had missed a golden opportunity to make it 2–0, firing wide when through on goal. But United’s persistence paid off late, and they clung on through a tense final few minutes as Liverpool pushed desperately for another equalizer.

The hosts’ misery deepened when Gakpo failed to convert a close-range header from Jeremie Frimpong’s inch-perfect cross, a miss that summed up their night. The defeat means Liverpool have now lost four consecutive matches for the first time since 2014, following previous setbacks against Chelsea, Galatasaray, and Crystal Palace.

The victory, meanwhile, marks back-to-back Premier League wins for United under manager Ruben Amorim which is the first time that has happened since his arrival. The Red Devils now sit just two points behind Liverpool in the standings, while the reigning champions trail leaders Arsenal by four.

Slot: “We’re Not Used to Salah Missing Chances”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on his side’s wastefulness in front of goal after the match, telling Sky Sports:

“After games like this, people tend to focus on individuals. A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about our new signings, now it’s about Mo Salah.

“We had more than enough chances to score. Mo missed a big one. Others missed great opportunities too. That’s not something we’re used to seeing.

“We needed a goal in those final stages, someone who could make something happen. That’s what Jeremie [Frimpong] did, he came on, made a fantastic run, and set up Cody.

“If we’d been 3–0 up, Cody would have scored that header. I can’t guarantee it, but confidence makes all the difference. Every player gave everything tonight, it just didn’t fall our way.”

Amorim: “We Fought for Every Ball”

United boss Ruben Amorim praised his team’s determination after the hard-fought victory.

“It means a lot today, but tomorrow it’s just another three points,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “It’s a great result, but we’ll analyze it as we always do.

“At key moments, we had some luck, but the players fought for every ball. We lost a bit of composure in the second half, yet the spirit was there, and that’s what matters most.

“That fighting spirit is the foundation of everything. Some days you control possession, other days you

Maguire: “This Win Means Everything”

Match-winner Harry Maguire couldn’t hide his emotion after ending United’s nine-year wait for a league win at Anfield.

“It means everything,” he said. “Liverpool have had the upper hand over us for years, and it hasn’t been good enough from our side.

“Our fans have waited a long time for a day like this. Coming here, playing the way we did, and taking home three points, it’s huge.

“I’ve been coming to this stadium for seven years and never won. So this one’s for the supporters. Hopefully, they’re celebrating tonight.

“We can’t get carried away, though. As a club, we know we have to build on this and use it as motivation for what’s ahead.”

Analysis: Maguire’s Redemption Story

When the team sheets were released, Maguire’s name surprised many, especially given he started ahead of young defender Leny Yoro. But manager Ruben Amorim’s decision was justified, with the 32-year-old turning in one of his best performances in recent memory.

Amorim had highlighted Maguire’s aerial threat before the match, and the England international delivered precisely that. His perfectly-timed header from Fernandes’ teasing cross placed him in elite company, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs, John O’Shea, and Diego Forlan as United players who have scored match-winners at Anfield.

It’s a special list, and few could argue Maguire doesn’t deserve to be on it. Written off multiple times and nearly sold last summer, he continues to prove his value when it matters most.

For Maguire, this moment was particularly cathartic. During United’s last trip to Anfield, a 2–2 draw in January, he missed a late chance to win it, walking off with his head in his hands. This time, he left the field leading the celebrations, exorcising those memories and helping end a nearly decade-long drought.

Defensively, he was immense as well. United did ride their luck, with Gakpo striking the post three times before scoring, but Maguire’s leadership was key. He dominated aerial duels, cleared danger time and again, and embodied the resilience Amorim has tried to instill in this new-look side.

The result could prove a turning point for United’s season. After months of inconsistency, they appear to have rediscovered the unity and grit that once defined the club. For Liverpool, however, it’s back to the drawing board, especially with Salah misfiring and their once-formidable home form crumbling.

As the final whistle blew, Maguire’s roar of triumph said it all!