By Frank Ulom
ANFIELD (CONVERSEER) – Manchester United have won their first game against Liverpool at Anfield since 2016, inflicting the Reds with four defeats in a row.
Harry Maguire’s 84th-minute header was the first time United won a Premier League game at Liverpool since Wayne Rooney’s winner nine years ago.
United started on the front foot when newly signed Bryan Mbuemo slotted home from Amad Diallo’s slick pass. Though, Liverpool thought the referee, Michael Oliver, would have blown the whistle following a head injury to Alexis MacAllister, which led to the goal.
Liverpool rallied for an equaliser in the first half but it never came despite Cody Gakpo hitting the woodwork twice on the back of Manchester United’s one.
The second half started with a different tempo, with Liverpool pinning the Red Devils back in their half. The pressing paid off when substitute Federico Chiesa squared the ball for the outstanding Gakpo to level the game in the 78th minute.
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Liverpool then had a series of chances, hitting the bar and coming close to going in front, but it was United who had the last laugh when Maguire headed home Bruno Fernandes’ delivery after Liverpool failed to properly clear a corner kick, which came back to haunt them.
The game ended Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United.
The defeat means Liverpool have now lost four games in a row in all competitions – three in the Premier League (Crystal Palace, Chelsea and now United) and one in the Champions League (Galatasaray).
Manchester United, on the other hand, have won a back-to-back game for the first time under manager Ruben Amorim. Their last win was against Brentford.
Liverpool are now fourth on the table on goal difference with 15 points while Manchester United have moved up to ninth on 13 points.
Liverpool will face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, while United are hosting Brighton and Hove Albion next Saturday in the Premier League.
