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After nine painful years and on their 11th attempt, Manchester United finally broke their Anfield curse with a thrilling 2–1 win over defending Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday.
Harry Maguire’s towering header in the 84th minute secured one of United’s most memorable victories under coach Ruben Amorim and handed Liverpool a fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions.
Maguire’s celebration said it all — years of frustration melting away as he roared toward United’s jubilant traveling supporters.
“It means everything,” Maguire said. “They’ve had the upper hand for years, and it hasn’t been good enough for our club. People say it’s just three points, but this one means a lot more — for the players, the fans, and everyone connected to Manchester United.”
Liverpool’s trend of dramatic endings continued. The Reds have now lost three straight league games to goals conceded in the final ten minutes — a stark contrast to their earlier habit of pulling off late wins.
Cody Gakpo briefly gave Liverpool hope with an equalizer in the 78th minute, poking home after Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike had given United a second-minute lead. But Gakpo later missed a golden chance to level again, heading wide with an open goal deep into stoppage time.
United’s victory marked their first at Anfield since 2016, when Wayne Rooney scored the only goal. Since then, United fans have endured humiliating losses, including the infamous 7–0 defeat in 2023.
For Amorim, the result was a relief and a possible turning point. The Portuguese coach has faced growing scrutiny after a difficult start to his first full season, but back-to-back league wins now have United ninth — just two points off the top four.
“It was important for our fans, who’ve suffered a lot,” Amorim said. “They saw a new spirit today — to come here, to the home of the champions, and sing for 90 minutes. This win is for them.”
Liverpool, meanwhile, sits fourth — four points behind leaders Arsenal — and struggling with form and confidence. The four-game losing streak is their worst since 2014, with coach Arne Slot now facing serious questions about his side’s defense, which has kept only two clean sheets in 12 matches.
In attack, Mohamed Salah’s only goal in seven league games was a penalty, while record signing Alexander Isak has just one goal in seven appearances.
Captain Virgil van Dijk urged calm: “We have to stick together — players, fans, everyone. Stay humble, keep working, and stay confident.”
Liverpool’s players were also frustrated by United’s controversial opener, which came as Alexis Mac Allister lay on the pitch with a head injury. Referee Michael Oliver waved play on, and Amad Diallo’s pass set up Mbeumo, who fired past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Coach Arne Slot downplayed the controversy: “We should have reacted better after Macca went down. But player safety is important — if a player needs stitches, he should get immediate treatment. That’s not why we lost; we simply missed too many chances.”
Gakpo was particularly unlucky, striking the post three times.
In Other Action: Villa Fight Back to Beat Spurs
Aston Villa extended their winning streak to five matches after coming from behind to beat Tottenham 2–1.
Emi Buendia’s curling strike in the 77th minute completed the turnaround, continuing Villa’s revival after a poor start to the season.
Rodrigo Bentancur had given Spurs an early lead in the fifth minute, but Morgan Rogers equalized before halftime. Villa’s victory halted Tottenham’s seven-game unbeaten run and handed coach Thomas Frank his second league loss since taking charge in the summer.