Manchester United have faltered at the start of the season, but Ruben Amorim’s side produced a flurry of excitement at Anfield on Sunday. A shaky Premier League campaign suddenly looked like old news as United pulled off a stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool. The victory was all the sweeter as it marked their first away triumph against Liverpool in 10 years, having last won a Premier League game at Anfield under Louis van Gaal in 2016.
Liverpool arrived under pressure, losing three games in a row, including a shock Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. On paper it looked like the perfect opportunity for United to gain some confidence and they hardly wasted a minute doing so.
Within 62 seconds, Bryan Mbeumo sent shockwaves through Anfield. The goal was as controversial as it was brilliant: a long ball floated forward, Virgil van Dijk raced past Mbeum but inadvertently elbowed team-mate Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister fell holding his head, but referee Michael Oliver, who was unaware of the collision, let play continue. Bruno Fernandes found Amado Diallo who squared the ball perfectly to Mbeuma and the striker slotted it in at the near post. 1-0 United and the giants from Anfield were suddenly in overdrive.
United spent the opening 25 minutes absorbing pressure, defending in numbers and switching between careful defending and quick counter-attacks. They were back on the front foot after half an hour, creating chances, with Fernandes coming close to doubling the lead. Liverpool’s main threat was Cody Gakpo who rattled the bar twice but was unable to finish.
Panache beats price tags
Despite Liverpool’s record £446m summer spending spree, new signings, including Alexander Isak, have struggled to make the cut. Mohamed Salah, usually a threat against United, missed key opportunities while United, who spent £239.2m, showed rare cohesion and understanding on the pitch.
The second half remained tense. Ruben Amorim made tactical adjustments and brought on Dorga to strengthen the defence, but the story of the match was dominated by Gakpo, whose persistence paid off in the end. In the 78th minute, after repeatedly threatening the United defense, the Dutch forward came through. He timed his run to perfection, meeting a low cross and slotting it past David de Gea to make it 1-1, bringing Anfield back to life.
Just when it looked like Liverpool might gain momentum, United struck again. In the 84th minute, Harry Maguire rose highest from a corner and headed the ball into the net to restore United’s lead. Liverpool pushed until the last chance, but Gakpo sealed the match in the 87th minute.
While the goals grabbed the headlines, the likes of Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount quietly kept the attack flowing and ensured United never lost control or rhythm. Every drive, every pass, every strategic shift contributed to a victory that was as much about teamwork as it was about finishing.
2 managers with 2 different interests
Ruben Amorim, who is already facing a three-year deadline to turn around the club’s fortunes from the management of United, can finally breathe a little easier after this win. Amid ongoing criticism of his formations and tactical choices, Sunday’s result silences questions, at least for now. Critics may still debate his methods, but the three points at Anfield speak for themselves and for Amorim, that’s all that matters today.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot now finds himself under pressure to provide answers as his summer cash spree continues to produce very few tangible results on the pitch.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
October 19, 2025
