Man Utd edge Liverpool in thrilling Anfield encounter after late Maguire winner
It was another pulsating chapter in the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool as Harry Maguire’s late header secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield. In a contest full of momentum swings, near misses, and tactical intrigue, both sides left everything on the pitch — but United’s resilience proved decisive.
Late drama defines tense finale
The match’s closing stages encapsulated the intensity of English football’s fiercest rivalry. As Liverpool pressed for an equaliser deep into stoppage time, United’s back line held firm under relentless pressure. Goalkeeper Lammens was called into action repeatedly, punching away dangerous corners from Dominik Szoboszlai and keeping composure amid a flurry of late deliveries.
Moments earlier, substitute Jeremie Frimpong had almost provided the decisive blow at the other end. His pinpoint cross found Cody Gakpo unmarked inside the six-yard box, only for the Dutch forward to head wide of the post. It was a glaring miss that drew a collective groan from the Kop — one that would haunt Liverpool moments later.
Fernandes brilliance and Maguire’s redemption
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute. After United had seen an initial corner cleared, Bruno Fernandes recycled possession with a sublime first-time cross to the far post. Maguire, timing his run perfectly, rose above his marker and powered a header into the bottom corner. It was a finish of conviction and composure from a player who has fought hard to reclaim his place in the United starting XI.
The assist from Fernandes was equally impressive — a reminder of his vision and technical craft in tight spaces. The Portuguese playmaker’s influence throughout the evening was pivotal, dictating tempo and supplying the quality needed in decisive moments.
Slot’s substitutions and Liverpool’s missed chances
For Arne Slot, this was a night of frustration and fine margins. His side had created enough to win the game, but wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. Federico Chiesa’s assist for Gakpo’s earlier equaliser showcased Liverpool’s attacking sharpness, but the hosts failed to capitalise on their dominance after drawing level.
Slot introduced Frimpong late on in an attempt to stretch United’s defence, while Mohamed Salah was withdrawn after a quiet performance. The tactical changes added energy but not execution, and the visitors punished Liverpool’s lack of ruthlessness.
Cunha and Szoboszlai battled in midfield, each trying to seize control of transitions, yet United’s defensive structure held up impressively. Lisandro MartÃnez and Matthijs de Ligt managed key interventions, and Diogo Dalot’s crucial late block denied another Liverpool attack in added time.
United show steel as Liverpool rue defeat
This result extends United’s encouraging run under their new regime and highlights a growing sense of discipline and belief. Maguire’s resurgence mirrors the broader evolution of the team — organised, combative, and capable of grinding out results even in hostile environments.
For Liverpool, this defeat will sting. Their attacking play often dazzled, and on another day, Gakpo could have had a hat-trick. Yet, as has been the case in recent weeks, their finishing let them down at key moments.
Anfield has witnessed many memorable clashes between these two giants, and this one added another layer to the rivalry’s rich narrative. Manchester United’s 2-1 triumph was built on grit, structure, and a touch of brilliance — a performance that reaffirmed their credentials as contenders while leaving Liverpool searching for answers ahead of a busy winter schedule.
