Harry Maguire ended Manchester United's long, long wait to win away to 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 Van Dijk, Mbeumo and Mac Allister went down from an aerial challenge. Fernandes set Amad 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.
Liverpool fans and players were furious no foul had been given when Alexis Mac Allister went down in a heap but it was Van Dijk and not Mbeumo who had knocked him over. 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 ar but United also threatened on the break. 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. Mount had an effort repelled by Mamardashvili.
The Red Devils lost their edge as the game progressed, particularly after Casemiro and Amad Diallo were taken off. Liverpool kept on threatening and it paid off when 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 but instead it was United who were left celebrating thanks to Maguire.
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