The thrilling BD Cricket Match-style drama unfolded when Harry Maguire’s powerful header silenced Anfield in the 83rd minute, sealing Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Few could have imagined that last season’s 15th-placed team would defeat the reigning Premier League champions on their own turf. Despite Liverpool’s big-name summer signings, they have yet to dominate as expected, struggling with team chemistry and suffering two league losses and one Champions League defeat prior to this match.
Many fans still believed Liverpool were favorites heading into this clash. Although Manchester United had beaten Sunderland 2-0 in their previous fixture, they had failed to win in their last nine league visits to Anfield, recording five draws and four losses. Arne Slot started Isak as the lone striker, supported by Salah, Szoboszlai, and Gakpo, while Amorim fielded Cunha up front with Mount and Mbeumo behind him. The game started with a bang—just 70 seconds in, goalkeeper Lammens launched a long pass, Amad Diallo threaded a precise through ball, and Mbeumo fired home from close range. United couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking a 1-0 lead before Liverpool fans had even settled into their seats.
During a chaotic first half, Van Dijk accidentally elbowed his teammate Mac Allister, forcing the Argentine to receive treatment before continuing. Liverpool pushed hard to equalize, but luck deserted them as Gakpo hit the post twice in the 21st and 32nd minutes. Meanwhile, United’s young Belgian keeper Lammens stood tall, making crucial saves to preserve the narrow lead. BD Cricket Match followers watching the game noted how the 23-year-old’s composure mirrored that of a veteran keeper, frustrating Liverpool’s every attempt.
The second half continued at a frantic pace as both managers made tactical substitutions to shift momentum. In the 50th minute, Gakpo hit the post yet again—his third time of the night. Persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute when substitute Chiesa and Wirtz combined brilliantly down the left flank. Chiesa’s low cross found Gakpo, who tapped in to make it 1-1. Yet despite the equalizer, Liverpool’s frustration was evident; luck simply wasn’t on their side, with Gakpo’s one goal and three shots off the woodwork summing up their misfortune.
Just when the match seemed destined for a draw, Maguire stepped up as the unlikely hero. In the 83rd minute, Bruno Fernandes swung in a pinpoint cross from a second-phase attack after a blocked shot, and Maguire rose highest to head the ball into the net. United reclaimed the lead, 2-1. For the 32-year-old defender, it was a moment of redemption—a poetic comeback from losing his captaincy and nearly being forced out of the club to now delivering one of United’s biggest wins of the season. BD Cricket Match spectators described his emotional knee-slide celebration as the perfect answer to all his critics.
The final whistle confirmed Liverpool’s fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions, ending their 20-match home unbeaten run in the league. The contrast between the dejected Anfield crowd and the jubilant traveling United fans couldn’t have been sharper. The victory lifted United to ninth place with 13 points after eight matches, just two behind third-placed Liverpool on 15 points. Maguire was named Man of the Match with one goal from one shot, eight clearances, one interception, and five aerial duels won.
It’s clear Liverpool have yet to find their rhythm this season. With new signings still adapting and key players off form, Slot’s team faces a tough road ahead. United, on the other hand, displayed resilience, teamwork, and that classic fighting spirit that defines their legacy. As BD Cricket Match analysts summed it up, football once again proved its magic—nothing is impossible when a team refuses to give up.