Manchester United claim first Anfield win since 2016: Key stats
What's the story
Harry Maguire scored a stunning winner in the 84th minute, leading Manchester United to their first victory at Liverpool's Anfield since 2016. The win also handed Liverpool their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions. Bryan Mbeumo had opened the scoring for United in the second minute of play, but Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool in the 78th minute. However, Maguire restored the lead with a solid header. Man United held on for a win. Here's more.
Match details
Mbeumo scores controversial early goal
Mbeumo scored a controversial goal in the second minute, beating Giorgi Mamardashvili with a pass from Amad Diallo. The goal was marred by an injury to Alexis Mac Allister, who collided with Virgil van Dijk during the build-up and required treatment. VAR did not intervene as no foul was seen by referee Michael Oliver.
Game dynamics
Liverpool equalize through Gakpo
Despite Liverpool's attempts to equalize, including Gakpo hitting the post thrice, United held on to their lead for a long time. Mohamed Salah also missed two golden chances. However, Gakpo finally found the net in the 78th minute with a low cross from substitute Federico Chiesa. This leveled the score and seemed to set up Liverpool for a potential comeback victory.
Match conclusion
Maguire's header seals the deal for United
Just when it looked like Liverpool would find a winner, Maguire scored with a header from Bruno Fernandes's cross in the 84th minute. This sparked wild celebrations among Manchester United players and fans alike. The result marked a historic moment for United, who had not won at Anfield since January 2016.
Amorim
Amorim makes these records
As per Opta, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is only the third manager to win both of his first two Premier League away games at reigning champions, after Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte. Amorim is also the first United manager since Louis van Gaal in 2016 to win at Anfield. This was also the first time Man United won two successive Premier League matches under Amorim since he took over in November last year.
Details
Digging the match stats
Liverpool had 19 attempts with six shots on target. The Red Devils had 4 shots on target from 12 attempts. Liverpool had a whopping 51 touches in the opposition box. Man United managed 16 such touches. Arne Slot's men created 5 big chances with Man United creating three. Both sides struck the woodwork with Liverpool edging past Man United 3-1. Liverpool managed 64% possession with an 85% accuracy.
Information
A look at the points table
In terms of the points table, the visitors rose to ninth. They own 4 wins, 1 draw and three defeats. Amorim's men own 13 points. On the other hand, Liverpool are 4th. They have 15 points from 8 matches.
Do you know?
4th straight defeat for the Reds in all competitions
This was Liverpool's 4th successive defeat in all competitions, including three in the Premier League. In this run, they have lost to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray (Champions League), Chelsea and now Man United.
United
Key numbers of Amad, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Maguire
Amad Diallo's assist for Mbeumo, saw him get to 9 assists from 45 Premier League appearances. Former Brentford forward Mbeumo made his 144th Premier League appearance. He registered his 44th goal. Since joining United, he owns 2 goals and an assist from 8 Premier League matches. Fernandes provided an assist in the 84th minute. This was his 52nd Premier League assist. Lastly, former Leicester defender Maguire scored scored his 15th Premier League goal from 275 appearances.
Information
Gakpo races to 28 Premier League goals
Liverpool sensation Gakpo made his 99th appearance in the Premier League. The Dutchman scored his 28th goal. In the ongoing season, he has three Premier League goals (2 assists) from 8 matches.
Opta stats
Key records scripted as United down Liverpool
Before this win at Anfield, the Red Devils had gone winless in 9 league games without a victory. They drew five games and lost 9 in that period. This was the first time United won successive league games since winning their last two Premier League games in 2023-24 and the first in 2024-25. Liverpool have lost just two of their last 15 Premier League games against United.