The visitors maintained defensive organization through the first half, limiting Liverpool’s attacking output despite sustained pressure from the home side. Liverpool manager made tactical adjustments in the second half, introducing Curtis Jones, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz for Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Conor Bradley.
Cody Gakpo equalized in the 78th minute, finishing Federico Chiesa’s cross to level the score at 1-1. The goal came after Liverpool increased attacking pressure following the substitutions.
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Maguire header gives Manchester United victory in final minutes
Harry Maguire restored Manchester United’s lead in the 84th minute, heading home Bruno Fernandes‘ delivery into the penalty area. The goal came six minutes after Liverpool’s equalizer.
Maguire missed an additional opportunity in stoppage time, shooting over the crossbar from close range. Liverpool pressed for a second equalizer but could not break through Manchester United’s defensive structure.
Team selection and injury updates impact Liverpool vs Manchester United lineups
Liverpool fielded Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal due to Alisson’s hamstring injury. The hosts entered the match positioned third in the Premier League table with 15 points, following a three-game losing streak.Manchester United played without Marcus Rashford, ruled out due to illness. Senne Lammens started in goal for the visitors. Casemiro departed the match due to injury, with Manuel Ugarte entering as a substitute.Manchester United held 10th position in the standings with 10 points prior to kickoff under manager Ruben Amorim.
Match statistics show contrasting approaches in Liverpool-Manchester United contest
Liverpool registered seven shots compared to Manchester United’s six. The visitors posted a 0.74 expected goals figure against Liverpool’s 0.57, indicating Manchester United created higher-quality scoring chances despite lower possession numbers.
Manchester United had not won at Anfield in Premier League competition for nearly a decade prior to Sunday’s result. The victory represents the team’s consecutive win under Amorim’s management.
Manchester United collected three points with the road victory. Liverpool faces questions regarding recent form following the defeat. The result affects both teams’ positions in the Premier League standings as the season progresses.
