On , Anfield in Liverpool became the setting for a dramatic 2‑1 upset that will be talked about for weeks. Harry Maguire, the veteran centre‑back for Manchester United Football Club, rose above the crowd and headed home the decisive goal in the 84th minute. The win snapped a ten‑year spell without a victory at the storied ground and gave United their first back‑to‑back Premier League wins under new manager Ruben Amorim. For Liverpool, the loss ended a one‑year unbeaten home run and marked their fourth straight defeat across all competitions – the worst streak since 2014.
Historical backdrop: a rivalry that spans more than a century
The clash was the 215th competitive meeting between the two clubs, a rivalry that dates back to February 4, 1893. Before this match, United held a narrow historical edge – 81 wins to Liverpool’s 79, with 54 draws. Yet despite the overall balance, United had not tasted Anfield glory since a 2‑0 triumph on March 7, 2015. That drought became a point of stubborn frustration for the Red Devils, especially as the Premier League 2025/26 season entered its eighth round and both sides were jostling for top‑four positions.
Meanwhile, Liverpool had been riding a wave of home dominance. Their last league loss at Anfield had come exactly one year earlier, on October 19, 2024, when they were edged out by a late‑stage goal from Brighton. The recent trio of defeats – to Brighton, Bournemouth and Newcastle – had raised eyebrows among fans who were accustomed to seeing the Kop roar in victory.
Match timeline: key moments and a controversial offside
- 15:30 UTC – Kick‑off: The stadium hummed with a capacity crowd of just over 53,000.
- 76′ – Liverpool Football Club’s Cody Gakpo clipped a chance wide, prompting a collective gasp from the home supporters.
- 77′ – United’s Matías de Ligt surged forward on a brilliant delivery, but the ball fell short of the target.
- 78′ – Forward Wout Weghorst found space on the left, chose to hold the ball, and walked away from a clear chance.
- 80′ – A tangled moment saw Alexis Mac Allister appear to strike United defender Matthijs de Ligt while Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was nearby. The assistant referee raised the flag, but no foul was called.
- 84′ – The decisive header from Harry Maguire curled past Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker after a corner was whisked in.
- 90+3′ – Liverpool pressed but failed to find an equaliser, and the final whistle confirmed United’s 2‑1 win.
The match was broadcast live in the United States by NBC Sports, with streaming on Peacock. Studio host Rebecca Lo wrapped the highlights with a reminder to subscribe for more Premier League content.
Voices from the pitch: reactions and analysis
“We’ve been knocking on Anfield’s door for a decade,” Amorim said in the post‑match press conference, a grin breaking through his usual composure. “Tonight we finally got the key. Harry’s header was the perfect answer to a hard‑working night.”
United captain Bruno Fernandes praised the defensive solidity, noting, “Our backline held their nerve. The rest of the team knew we had to be patient, and that patience paid off.”
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was more measured. “We had opportunities, we missed them. The margin is thin at this level, and today it went against us,” he admitted, while also defending Gakpo’s effort, calling it “an unlucky miss, not a lack of quality.”
Pundit Gary Lineker, appearing on the NBC studio, highlighted the tactical shift, saying, “Amorim’s side showed a higher press in the second half. That forced Liverpool to play long balls, which played into United’s aerial strength – a factor that Maguire exploited.”
What the result means for both clubs
United’s victory nudged them up to seventh place with 14 points from eight games, keeping them within reach of the coveted Champions League qualification spots. The win also gave them a morale boost ahead of a clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on October 26.
Liverpool slipped to third with 18 points, still within touching distance of the top two but now burdened with a four‑match losing streak – a scenario not seen since the autumn of 2014. The loss adds pressure on Klopp, whose side will host Aston Villa at Villa Park on October 25, a game that could either halt the slide or confirm a deeper malaise.
Statistically, United’s possession rose to 54% compared with Liverpool’s 46%, while United completed 17 shots (six on target) versus Liverpool’s 11 (four on target). The decisive header gave United a 0.8‑goal advantage in expected goals (xG), underscoring the importance of set‑piece efficiency.
Looking ahead: upcoming fixtures and season outlook
For United, the next challenge is a home showdown with Chelsea on October 26 at 16:00 BST. A win would catapult them into the top five and bring them within striking distance of a Champions League berth.
Liverpool’s itinerary sees them travel to Villa Park to meet Aston Villa on October 25 at 17:30 BST. The Reds will need to rediscover the attacking fluidity that saw them score 92 goals last season if they hope to keep the title race alive.
Both clubs remain under the watchful eyes of their owners – Fenway Sports Group for Liverpool and the Glazer family’s Red Football Limited for United – who are eager to see their investments translate into silverware before the season’s final stretch.
Key Facts
- Date & Time: 19 Oct 2025, 15:30 UTC
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Result: Manchester United 2 – 1 Liverpool
- Goal scorers: Harry Maguire (84′), Marcus Rashford (32′)
- Man of the Match: Harry Maguire (73.5% fan vote)
- League impact: United to 7th (14 pts), Liverpool to 3rd (18 pts)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does United’s win affect their Champions League hopes?
The three‑point gain lifts United to seventh place, just three points shy of the top‑four cutoff. With six games remaining, a win against Chelsea could propel them into the final Champions League spot, provided they keep a steady defensive record.
What were the main tactical differences that decided the match?
Amorim’s side pressed higher in the second half, forcing Liverpool to play long balls that suited United’s aerial strengths. Liverpool, on the other hand, lacked a clear plan to break down United’s compact back four, resulting in wasted chances.
Did the controversial offside call impact the final result?
The assistant referee flagged an offside that was later deemed a non‑call, meaning play continued. While the incident created a brief flurry, it did not directly lead to a goal, so its impact on the outcome was minimal.
What does this loss mean for Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures?
Klopp’s side now faces Aston Villa away, a match that could halt the four‑game losing streak. A win would restore confidence and keep them within striking distance of the title race, but a third consecutive defeat would intensify scrutiny on the squad’s depth.
How did the broadcast on NBC Sports present the highlights?
NBC Sports, with studio host Rebecca Lo, packaged the match into a concise highlight reel, emphasizing Maguire’s header and the missed chances. The network also reminded viewers to stream more Premier League action on Peacock, its VOD platform.