MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT LIVERPOOL AT ANFIELD AFTER 2016
In a landmark Premier League clash at Liverpool F.C.’s fortress of Anfield, Manchester United F.C. finally broke their long-standing hoodoo by claiming a dramatic 2-1 victory, their first win at this venue since January 2016. Sky Sports+2ESPN.com+2 This outcome not only halted United’s nine-year wait for success away to Liverpool, but also sent shockwaves through the Anfield faithful and bolstered United’s season in a meaningful way.
Early Shock and United’s Dream Start
From almost the first whistle, Manchester United caught Liverpool on the back foot. Just 63 seconds into the game, United’s counter-play and urgent pressing paid dividends. A slick move – Amad Diallo feeding Bryan Mbeumo – saw the latter finish clinically to give the away side a remarkable lead. Sky Sports
Liverpool were stunned, their crowd silenced, and for once United looked like the team in control of a significant fixture.
Liverpool Rally & United Resilience
From that moment on, Liverpool marshalled the lion’s share of possession and chances. They repeatedly threatened to turn the game, with Cody Gakpo hitting the post three times before finally slipping one home in the 78th minute. ESPN.com+1 United’s defence and goalkeeper rode a wave of pressure, absorbing attacks and showing character under fire.
Manchester United’s setup was disciplined: under Rúben Amorim, they opted for a structured defensive block, often a 5-4-1 when without the ball, and were willing to cede possession to strike on counter-attacks. Premier League+1 The tactical plan hinged on high energy, compactness and exploiting wide zones quickly.
Late Drama and the Title of Drought-Breaker
At 1-1, Anfield sensed the turning point; momentum had swung Liverpool’s way. Yet, in the 84th minute, Manchester United grabbed the decisive blow: a well-delivered corner from Bruno Fernandes, met by a powerful header from Harry Maguire. The centre-back doubled as hero, sending United into ecstasy and writing his own chapter in Anfield folklore. Sky Sports+1
The significance was huge: this was United’s first league win at Anfield in nearly a decade, ending the long-standing narrative of away failure. The Busby Babe+1
Tactical Takeaways
Manchester United’s defensive composure: Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession and territory, United rarely panicked. They maintained shape, blocked key passing lanes, and refused to let the hosts find fluidity in the final third. Premier League
Effective pressing & counter-attacks: United’s early goal set the tone. They then sat in deeper, invited the pressure, and broke quickly — this helped them stay in the match and ultimately snatch the win.
Mental resilience: The burden of history (nine years without a win here) could have weighed heavy; but United showed resolve, held up under sustained pressure, and capitalised when it mattered.
Liverpool’s fragility: Despite creating the better chances, Liverpool lacked execution. Many efforts hit the post, and their defensive organisation at decisive moments did not hold up — especially on set-pieces. ESPN.com
Key Moments & Player Performances
Mbeumo’s blistering start set the tone, giving United belief and a platform.
Gakpo’s near-misses: While Liverpool did dominate many attacking metrics, the Dutchman’s repeated failures to convert haunted the Reds. Sky Sports
Maguire finally delivers: Once criticised, he rose to the occasion. His heroic header not only sealed the win but also marked a personal redemptive moment.
Fernandes’ influence: The Portuguese orchestrator produced the assist for the winner and helped steady United’s midfield when under siege.
Liverpool’s midfield mis-match: The hosts’ structure appeared muddled, with tools like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai unable to dominate as expected.
Final Verdict
This was more than just a result — it was a shift. Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield marked the end of a long-standing jinx, and may well serve as a turning point in their season. While Liverpool dominated plays and forced attack after attack, United’s resilience, tactical discipline and opportunism proved decisive. The curtain-raising early goal, the withstand of pressure, and a late header in no-man’s-land combined to craft a memorable comeback.
Liverpool, despite the building blocks of talent and prestige, were found wanting in a critical moment of the season. Their inability to turn possession into dominance and their vulnerability at set-pieces cost them dearly. United, meanwhile, rewrote the script — at Anfield no less — and suddenly the mood around Old Trafford feels different.
Ultimately, the headline speaks for itself: Manchester United beat Liverpool at Anfield after 2016, and the significance of that cannot be understated.