Harry Maguire’s 84th-minute header seals Manchester United’s 2–1 win at Liverpool in a thrilling Premier League clash at Anfield

Harry Maguire’s 84th-minute header secured a dramatic 2–1 victory for Manchester United over Liverpool on Sunday in a fiercely contested Premier League clash at Anfield, handing the Red Devils their first win at the ground since 2016.

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In a game that saw Cody Gakpo hit the woodwork three times before finally drawing Liverpool level, it was Maguire’s perfectly timed glancing header that proved the difference, earning manager Rúben Amorim his biggest win since taking over at Old Trafford.

United shocked the home crowd inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo latched onto Amad Diallo’s through ball, breezed past Virgil van Dijk, and slotted past Giorgi Mamardashvili to give United an early lead.

Liverpool dominated possession and mounted a series of attacks, but were repeatedly denied by the frame of the goal. Cody Gakpo struck the post in the first half and twice more after the break.

Despite relentless pressure, United could have doubled their advantage before the break when Bruno Fernandes struck the outside of the post when unmarked on the edge of the area.

Liverpool’s equaliser came in the 78th minute when substitute Federico Chiesa delivered a pinpoint low cross that Gakpo finished from close range.

However, parity lasted just six minutes. Fernandes produced a superb volleyed cross, and Maguire, left unmarked, guided his header beyond a rooted Mamardashvili to seal the points for United.

Maguire header seals Man United win at Liverpool

Liverpool’s defeat was their first home league loss in over a year and leaves new manager Arne Slot under growing scrutiny.

Despite investing £450 million in transfers, including big-money signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, the Reds have now lost three straight league matches.

Slot again left Wirtz on the bench until the hour mark, sparking questions over team selection as Salah, Gakpo, Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz were all on the pitch in a desperate late push for a winner.

But Liverpool’s lack of defensive organisation proved costly, with Maguire’s unchallenged header serving as the final blow.

Match Statistics:

“It means everything. We haven’t had many of these days, especially here. It’s been a long time coming.”
— Harry Maguire, Manchester United defender

“We’re in transition, but results like this hurt. We should have had the game wrapped up long before they scored the winner.”
— Arne Slot, Liverpool manager

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Maguire header seals Man United win at Liverpool

Maguire header seals Man United win at Liverpool