Harry Maguire ended Manchester United's long, long wait to win away at Liverpool as he snatched a 2-1 victory which could kickstart the Ruben Amorim era at last. Maguire headed home Bruno Fernandes' swerving cross in the 85th minute to restore United's advantage shortly after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo's quick-fire opener.
The victory was United's first at Anfield since January 2016 and also gave Amorim successive Premier League wins for the first time as Red Devils' boss.
United grabbed the lead on exactly 60 seconds thanks to some razor sharp reactions after Virgil van Dijk, Mbeumo and Alexis Mac Allister went down from an aerial challenge. Fernandes set Amad Diallo away down the wing in space and the Ivorian threaded a ball for Mbeumo, who was back on his feet quickly, to run towards and knock past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
United had a cautious game plan and were fortunate when Cody Gakpo hit the post after a lightning quick break. The Dutchman later hit the woodwork twice more, but United also threatened on the break, and Fernandes should have scored when he lashed an Amad cut-back off the outside of the post. The captain then saw his free-kick skim the top of the net after taking a flick off Gakpo while Mason Mount had an effort repelled by Mamardashvili.
The Red Devils lost their edge as the game progressed, particularly after Casemiro and Amad were taken off, and Liverpool kept on threatening until Gakpo appeared at the far post to tuck in Federico Chiesa's cross after poor defending from United on the whole.
The stage looked set for Liverpool to complete the comeback victory, but instead it was United who were left celebrating thanks to Maguire.
GOAL rates United's players from Anfield…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Senne Lammens (8/10):
Hard to believe it was his second game and first away match. Transmitted confidence to his defenders, taking crosses with conviction. Made a smart save from Isak with his legs, caught a stinging shot from Jones and did enough to put Salah off from close range. Took a no nonsense approach to kicking which served him well.
Harry Maguire (9/10):
Justified starting ahead of Yoro by getting his head in front of every ball and anticipating the danger well. A good performance became a great one when he headed in the winner and ended a 10-season wait for United to win at Anfield.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
A decisive and dominant display at the heart of the defence. Showed strength to barge Kerkez out of the way early on and helped weather the storm, save for the defence switching off when Gakpo struck.
Luke Shaw (8/10):
An excellent display from start to finish. His tidy play under pressure seamlessly created the move leading to Fernandes' chance while he made key challenges on Chiesa and Mac Allister.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Amad Diallo (8/10):
Back towards his best after a difficult start to the season. His threaded pass to Mbeumo set up the crucial goal while he would have gotten a second assist had Fernandes taken his chance. Had Kerkez on the back foot for most of the game. Taken off shortly after being booked.
Casemiro (8/10):
A gigantic presence for his hour on the pitch. Won every header and challenge while his positional sense was impressive, allowing him to control the middle of the pitch without having to exert himself.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Crucial to both goals. Showed his quick thinking to release Amad for the opener and sould have scored himself when he struck the post. Made amends in other ways, such as when he dispossessed Isak in the box. Kept the move alive leading to Maguire's winner.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
The only weak link and was somewhat fortunate his lapses, such as losing Van Dijk at a free-kick and sending a clearance to the feet of Isak, were not punished.
Getty Images SportAttack
Mason Mount (6/10):
Not a vintage display and yet he helped the team execute Amorim's tactical plan with clever movement. Had two half-chances to score.
Matheus Cunha (6/10):
A surprise choice as the false nine but it just about worked as he linked the play well, even without creating many clear chances.
Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):
Got the team off to a flying start by quickly bouncing off the floor and using his pace to get onto Amad's pass and score. Kept working hard, leading the press with his selfless running.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
Not nearly as assured as Casemiro and United's performance dropped when he came on, although he did play his part in preventing another equaliser.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
A little scrappy but dug in and did his job to protect the lead late on.
Benjamin Sesko (6/10):
Put himself about well and his aerial presence came in handy in his own box.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Introduced in the 85th minute to see out the win.
Leny Yoro (N/A):
Came on to put an extra body on the line and get the win over the line.
Ruben Amorim (8/10):
His finest display and result in 11 months in charge. His tactics were spot-on and he at last has back-to-back wins, getting the all important victory at Anfield of all places.
