**Second half**
Liverpool began after the half-time break on the front foot and signalled their immediate intent.
Gakpo again threatened from the left flank, bringing down a ball in the box after a short set-piece to crash another effort emphatically onto the far post.
Mac Allister also shot over, while on the hour the Reds opted for a triple substitution, introducing Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones from the bench.
Ekitike made an immediate impact by cutting in from the left and firing a shot over the bar, while Salah saw a half-volley inside the box fly past the post.
Federico Chiesa also stepped into the contest to aid the attack for Liverpool with a little under 20 minutes remaining.
His introduction sparked the threat required, setting up Gakpo for the levelling strike in minute 78.
Following a spell of pressure in the final third, Chiesa squared from the left across the six-yard box to find his teammate, who made no mistake from close range to restore parity.
However, six minutes from time, United got themselves back in front.
An Mbeumo shot deflected out to Fernandes on the left, with the midfielder lofting a ball into the box for Maguire to meet and place a header back across into the bottom corner of the net.
Liverpool attempted a response in the closing stages but were unable to find another goal to take anything from the game.
**Attendance:** 60,337