Manchester United’s Triumph Deepens Liverpool’s Woes

LIVERPOOL, England - Rúben Amorim celebrated consecutive Premier League victories for the first time as Manchester United’s manager, with Harry Maguire’s late header securing a 2-1 triumph at Anfield, plunging Liverpool into turmoil after their fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions.
Bryan Mbeumo’s strike in the second minute handed United an ideal start, but Cody Gakpo, after hitting the woodwork twice, equalized for Liverpool in the 78th minute. However, United’s stalwart defender Maguire crowned an imperious defensive display by nodding home the decisive goal in the 84th minute, marking United’s first victory at Anfield since Wayne Rooney’s lone strike in January 2016.
United now sit just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who face Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, desperate to halt a potential fifth straight loss. - Mark Ogden

Amorim’s United Secure a Defining Victory

Rúben Amorim has endured a challenging 11 months since leaving Sporting CP to helm Manchester United last November. The Portuguese manager has faced setbacks, including a UEFA Europa League final defeat, United’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, and persistent scrutiny over his position.
Yet, this Anfield triumph could prove a pivotal moment for Amorim. By defeating the reigning champions on their home turf, he has delivered United’s most significant result under his tenure. This marks the first time his squad has secured back-to-back Premier League wins, bringing them within touching distance of the top four. Beyond the scoreline, United’s performance was their finest under Amorim, showcasing organization in defense, Casemiro’s commanding presence in midfield, and attacking menace from Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount. Unlike previous matches where United buckled under pressure, they stood firm against a relentless second-half onslaught at Anfield.
This victory instills much-needed confidence in Amorim and his players, offering a platform to build momentum with upcoming fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur before the November international break. - Ogden

Liverpool’s Slide Morphs into a Full-Blown Crisis

When does a dip in form escalate into a crisis? The forlorn expressions on Liverpool’s players at the final whistle suggest that moment has arrived.
The Reds have now lost four consecutive matches for the first time since November 2014, and far from emerging refreshed from the international break, their season-long issues appear to have worsened. As seen in losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, Liverpool’s defense was alarmingly exposed against United, allowing their rivals to capitalize ruthlessly. At the attacking end, the champions veered between ineffective in the first half and profligate in the second, with Gakpo’s glaring late miss epitomizing their current wastefulness.
Hitting the post three times suggests Liverpool were somewhat unfortunate not to salvage a point, but manager Arne Slot will be alarmed by his team’s inability to command a match they were favored to win. While it may be premature to secure a title, it’s not too early to lose one and Liverpool are perilously close to slipping out of contention. - Beth Lindop

Lammens Proves His Worth as United’s Top Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens has revitalized Manchester United in just two appearances since replacing Altay Bayindir between the posts. The 23-year-old, who debuted in a 2-0 victory over Sunderland two weeks ago, delivered a composed performance that starkly contrasted with the error-strewn displays of Bayindir and André Onana before his September arrival from Royal Antwerp.
Lammens’ highlight was a remarkable save with his feet to deny Alexander Isak at the 35-minute mark, but his impact extended beyond that moment. His presence has instilled calm in United’s backline, enhancing their decision-making and confidence in the goalkeeper behind them. Despite Liverpool’s second-half pressure, Lammens remained unflappable during corners and set pieces. Though powerless to stop Gakpo’s equalizer, he was otherwise faultless, cementing his status as a vital addition to United’s squad. - Ogden

Liverpool’s Defensive Frailties Prove Costly

While Arsenal’s defensive solidity has made them title favorites, Liverpool’s backline vulnerabilities are dimming their hopes of retaining the crown. Conceding goals to Mbeumo and Maguire at Anfield, the Reds have now leaked 11 goals in the Premier League this season more than any other top-eight side. Defensive disruptions, including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer move to Real Madrid and Andrew Robertson’s demotion to the bench, have unsettled the unit.
Milos Kerkez, a £40 million signing from AFC Bournemouth, has struggled to adapt at left-back, often leaving Virgil van Dijk exposed as he ventures forward. His attacking flair, which earned him a spot in last season’s PFA Team of the Year, has been absent. On the right, Conor Bradley was steady against United but has generally lacked form, while Ibrahima Konaté was outmuscled for Maguire’s winning header. The absence of Alisson Becker, sidelined for weeks with a hamstring injury, was evident when deputy Giorgi Mamardashvili failed to thwart Mbeumo’s early strike, though he later redeemed himself with a save against Mount. Liverpool’s defensive woes have haunted them all season, and the price is now painfully clear. - Lindop

Cunha’s Impact Shines Despite Lack of Goals

Matheus Cunha is yet to open his goalscoring account for Manchester United, but his display at Anfield demonstrated his immense value to the team. The £62.5 million summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers was exceptional, contributing through tireless pressing, intelligent play to slow the game’s tempo, and composure in retaining possession under pressure. The 26-year-old’s ability to link play, unlock defenses, and exude confidence has made him a cornerstone of Amorim’s side.
While Cunha may be frustrated by his lack of goals, his all-around contributions are undeniable, and his first United goal is surely imminent. For now, he remains a pivotal figure in Amorim’s evolving project. - Ogden

Is Salah Feeling the Weight of Time?

Mohamed Salah standing before the Kop with a clear sight of goal is a scene Liverpool fans know well. Against Manchester United, where he has scored 16 goals in 17 prior appearances and contributed to 18 of Liverpool’s last 25 goals against their rivals, expectations were high. Yet, his failure to convert a golden opportunity in the second half, blazing the ball wide, stunned the Anfield faithful accustomed to his heroics.
Last season, Salah often single-handedly propelled Liverpool toward the title. This term, however, the Egyptian star appears to be grappling with dips in form and confidence. His lack of synergy with British-record signing Alexander Isak, who was ineffective against United, only compounds Liverpool’s attacking struggles. - Lindop