Manchester United Stun Liverpool at Anfield as Maguire Seals Dramatic Win

Manchester United handed Liverpool a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat for the first time since 2014, edging a tense encounter 2–1 at Anfield on Sunday.

A third-minute strike from Bryan Mbeumo and a late Harry Maguire header in the 84th minute secured a famous win for United, despite Cody Gakpo’s equaliser briefly reigniting hopes for the hosts.

The victory marks Ruben Amorim’s first back-to-back league wins as United boss and eases pressure on the Portuguese manager, whose side climbed to ninth place, just two points behind Liverpool.

For Arne Slot, however, the result deepens an early-season crisis. The Reds — who spent nearly £450 million ($604 million) on new signings — now sit four points adrift of leaders Arsenal, having lost four straight matches for the first time since Brendan Rodgers’ tenure in 2014.

Liverpool’s woes began almost immediately when Mbeumo sprinted past Virgil van Dijk and fired beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili from Amad Diallo’s assist inside the opening minutes. The hosts were furious that play wasn’t halted after Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury during the buildup.

Slot once again left £100 million summer signing Florian Wirtz on the bench as he searched for the right balance between defence and attack. Cody Gakpo came closest to levelling before halftime, striking the post from Mohamed Salah’s through ball.

United could have extended their lead before the break, with Bruno Fernandes hitting the woodwork from the edge of the area.

After the restart, Liverpool struck the post twice more — Gakpo once again the unlucky culprit — before finally equalising in the 78th minute when Federico Chiesa’s low cross found Gakpo, who bundled the ball home from close range.

But United’s response was swift. Six minutes later, Maguire rose unmarked to head in Fernandes’s looping cross, restoring the visitors’ lead and silencing Anfield.

Gakpo missed a golden chance to salvage a draw late on, heading wide from Jeremie Frimpong’s delivery, as Liverpool’s long unbeaten home run — stretching back over a year — came to an end.

The result leaves Slot still searching for answers, as Liverpool’s new-look attack — featuring Salah, Isak, Wirtz, Ekitike, and Chiesa — continues to misfire.

For Amorim, however, it was a statement win — his biggest since taking charge — and a potential turning point in United’s turbulent campaign.