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Manchester United claimed their first victory at Anfield since 2016, overcoming Liverpool 2–1 with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire. It was a perfect start for United and head coach Ruben Amorim, as Mbeumo struck less than two minutes into the match, converting Amad’s clever pass on the break to silence the home crowd.
Liverpool came close on several occasions, hitting the post more than once before Cody Gakpo levelled the score. Yet United quickly regained their advantage when Maguire headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross to make it 2–1, a lead they successfully protected to seal a well-earned triumph.
Bryan Mbeumo’s £66 million transfer fee raised eyebrows at the time, but he has already shown that he is worth the investment. His composed finish against Liverpool took his tally to three goals and one assist in all competitions, a strong return given United’s early inconsistency this season.
Beyond his statistics, Mbeumo has become an integral part of Amorim’s attack, providing energy, precision, and a clinical edge in crucial moments. His influence has been transformative, establishing him as one of the Premier League’s standout summer signings.
Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach has faced regular scrutiny, but his choices at Anfield were both brave and effective. The United boss opted to bench Benjamin Sesko, aware that Liverpool’s aerially dominant centre-backs, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, could isolate him. Instead, he deployed Matheus Cunha as a false nine, allowing for greater fluidity and unpredictability in attack.
This setup allowed Mbeumo to exploit space behind the defence, linking expertly with Amad on the right. Cunha’s movement drew Liverpool’s back line out of shape, creating gaps that United exploited repeatedly on the counter-attack.
Bruno Fernandes has at times seemed constrained in a deeper midfield role under Amorim, but against Liverpool he thrived. The captain orchestrated United’s play with vision and composure, contributing to both goals. He initiated the move for Mbeumo’s opener and delivered the decisive cross for Maguire’s winner.
At 31, Fernandes remains the heartbeat of this United side, dictating tempo and inspiring his teammates. Amorim’s system, long questioned for limiting his influence, now appears to be evolving around the Portuguese playmaker’s strengths.
For nearly a year, Amorim had not managed consecutive Premier League victories with Manchester United. That record finally ended at Anfield, and in the most difficult of circumstances. The win not only cements United’s growing momentum but also hands Liverpool manager Arne Slot a fourth successive defeat, deepening the contrast between the two clubs’ trajectories.
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