Manchester United stunned arch-rivals Liverpool with a dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday, sealing Ruben Amorim’s first consecutive Premier League wins and compounding the Reds’ worst run of form in over a decade.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, racing past Virgil van Dijk to slot home Amad Diallo’s clever pass. Cody Gakpo restored parity for Liverpool in the 78th minute, only for Harry Maguire to rise highest six minutes later and head in Bruno Fernandes’s looping cross to give United all three points.
The result marked Liverpool’s fourth straight defeat—their longest losing streak since November 2014 under Brendan Rodgers. It also ended United’s nine-year winless run at Anfield, with Amorim’s men climbing to ninth in the table, two points behind their historic rivals.
For Liverpool, the loss deepens the crisis facing manager Arne Slot, whose £450 million summer spending spree has yet to yield results. The Reds now trail league leaders Arsenal by four points, with questions growing over Slot’s ability to find the right tactical balance between defence and attack.
The game began in chaos for Liverpool. Barely a minute in, Alexis Mac Allister went down with a head injury after colliding with Van Dijk, but play continued as Mbeumo surged forward to score, igniting fury among home supporters who believed the referee should have stopped the game.
Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to convert chances. Gakpo struck the post in the first half, while Salah—usually lethal in this fixture—missed a golden opportunity, slicing wide with only goalkeeper Senne Lammens to beat.
United, meanwhile, were more clinical and composed. Fernandes came close to doubling the lead before halftime, hitting the outside of the post from the edge of the area.
Slot introduced Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in the 60th minute, hoping to inject creativity into Liverpool’s attack. The changes finally paid off when substitute Federico Chiesa delivered a low cross that Gakpo converted from close range.
However, Liverpool’s defensive issues resurfaced quickly. Maguire, left completely unmarked, headed home to restore United’s advantage in the 84th minute. Gakpo then missed a sitter in the dying minutes, heading wide from Jeremie Frimpong’s delivery, as United held firm to secure their biggest win under Amorim.
The defeat was Liverpool’s first league loss at Anfield in over a year—a painful setback for a side still reeling from the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July and struggling to rediscover last season’s dominant form.
What You Should Know
Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool ended the Reds’ four-match losing streak and handed manager Ruben Amorim his most significant victory since taking charge.
Liverpool’s slump, worsened by costly defensive lapses and misfiring attackers, leaves them chasing Arsenal at the top while United gain much-needed momentum.
