Liverpool’s poor run of form continued as Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield, condemning the defending champions to a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in over a decade.
The result ended United’s nine-year wait for a league win at Anfield and marked a significant moment for manager Ruben Amorim, whose side recorded back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time under his reign.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United a dream start, striking just 61 seconds into the game after racing past Virgil van Dijk and finishing calmly from Amad Diallo’s assist. The goal stunned the home crowd and set the tone for a tense afternoon for Arne Slot’s side, who have struggled to find rhythm following an expensive summer rebuild worth nearly £450 million.
Liverpool thought they should have had a stoppage when Alexis Mac Allister went down with a head injury in the buildup, but play continued, allowing United to take full advantage. Despite their sluggish start, the hosts nearly drew level through Cody Gakpo, who struck the post after a clever Mohamed Salah through ball.
United, however, remained the more composed side in the first half. Bruno Fernandes came close to doubling the advantage, his low shot grazing the post. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made key saves to preserve the lead, denying Alexander Isak from close range.
Liverpool’s persistence paid off in the second half when substitute Federico Chiesa’s low cross found Gakpo, who finally converted from close range to equalize in the 78th minute. Yet, their defensive lapses resurfaced six minutes later as Harry Maguire rose highest to head in Fernandes’s looping cross, restoring United’s lead.
Gakpo squandered another golden chance late on, heading wide from Jeremie Frimpong’s delivery, leaving Anfield in stunned silence as United held firm for a famous win.
The victory lifted Manchester United to ninth in the table, easing pressure on Amorim and reigniting belief in their season. Liverpool, meanwhile, remain four points behind leaders Arsenal, with questions mounting over Slot’s tactics and his ability to stabilize a squad still reeling from the tragic loss of Diogo Jota earlier in the year.
