Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings and Match Report As Harry Maguire Wins It Late

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: Player Ratings and Match Report

This felt like a turning point at Anfield tonight, as big Harry Maguire rose high in the Liverpool box to head home a late winner for Manchester United, sparking out one of the most memorable moments for the club under the tutelage of Ruben Amorim.

After Bryan Mbeumo had put the visitors in front inside the opening minute of play, Liverpool took as much control as they could before finally equalising through Cody Gakpo late in the day, only for Maguire to win it late and for Gakpo to miss a sitter immediately after that.

The result brings Manchester United up to 9th in the Premier League table, with just two points seperating them from Liverpool in 3rd.

Maguire The Hero As United Win At Anfield

Manchester United got this massive fixture off to the perfect start, by breaking open the Liverpool defence before the opening minute of play had even fully transpired. Amad broke away onto the right-hand side after Liverpool failed to snatch the ball away from United early doors, before the Ivorian slipped Bryan Mbeumo in behind the right channel to flash a fine second Premier League goal of the season home for an early Anfield lead - the second earliest goal in the history of this fixture, in fact.

The early goal would lay the land for an energetic first half, with Cody Gakpo striking the woodwork on two separate occasions whilst Mohamed Salah, Alex Isak and Alexis MacAllister missed opportunities to draw level.

There would be chances for a much-improved-looking Manchester United to put themselves further in front throughout, with Mbeumo capitalising on a sloppy bit of play from Liverpool to get through again to be denied by Mamardashvili, who would be on hand again to deny a firm follow-up from Mason Mount.

Both sides would size each other up with plenty of opportunities, and the biggest of the lot fell for big-money man Alex Isak. Slipped in behind by a tremendous Ibrahima Konate pass, Isak found himself in an identical position to the one Mbeumo scored from, but was denied by a stiff Lammens leg as his Premier League goal drought stretched on.

As the second half opened up, Liverpool tried to keep themselves on the front foot as they sought a leveller. They almost had one back from Cody Gakpo, as a set-piece routine saw the ball land at his feet in a crowded box, but his rocket of an effort was denied by the post for the third time in the game.

Manchester United seemed happy to dig their heels in and soak up the pressure of the hosts, which was cranked up a notch with the introductions of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. The latter would send a hopeful attempt from range over the bar, and the former would help create a huge chance for Salah that was wasted at the back post.

For all their hard work, Liverpool would finally expose the vital chink in Manchester United's armour and it came through Gakpo, the man who had struck the woodwork on three occasions in the game already. Substitutes Wirtz and Ekitike did fantastically to keep a half-chance alive in the United box, before another sub in Chiesa blasted a low ball across the box for the Dutchman to stab home for 1-1.

However, after finally restoring parity in the game, Mr Clutch himself would be on hand to put Amorim's side back in front. A sensational recycled ball in from Bruno Fernandes met the head of Maguire in the Liverpool mixer, and the big man delivered yet another massive Manchester United goal just five minutes after being drawn level.

Incredibly, Gakpo was guilty of not securing another equaliser just moments later. Some great work from Salah and substitute Jeremie Frimpong saw the latter deliver a perfect cross to the unmarked head of the Dutch winger from very close range, only for Gakpo to miss the connection and send it cruelly wide of the back post.

However, despite a few desperate hail-Marie's from the hosts to try and restore parity once more, it wasn't to be for Liverpool as Manchester United secured a massive, well-earned win on Anfield soil.

Liverpool Player Ratings

GK - Giorgi Mamardashvili - 6/10

Made some decent enough saves, could maybe have got more on Mbeumo's early goal but that was mostly poor fortune on his part.

RB - Conor Bradley - 6/10

Didn't do anything special, but didn't do anything wrong. Competent defensively even if he wasn't afforded too many quality moments to go forward.

CB - Ibrahima Konate - 8/10

Did a good job of keeping his targets at arm's length, and showed his creative side with a masterful ball to Isak that should have been turned into an equaliser. A really, really good performance from the Frenchman.

CB - Virgil van Dijk - 5/10

Accidentally knocked 10 bells out of MacAllister in the lead up to the early opener from Mbeumo, and consequently was guilty of allowing him the space to get in behind and score.

Wasn't at his unflappable best in this one, offering up plenty of opportunities to get in behind for United.

LB - Milos Kerkez - 6/10

Showed a real struggle to get involved in the first half, where he seemingly had an air of nerves presiding over him for the most part. Struggled to keep Amad containedm but opened up and improved plenty over the second half with a few excellent crosses.

CM - Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10

Kept things mulling over nicely and saw plenty more of the ball than his engine room partner. Allowed Liverpool to tick the ball over plenty as they continued to etch away for a chance, until injury brought an end to his day.

CM - Alexis MacAllister - 5/10

Spent the majority of the game wearing a slightly ridiculous looking beanie for an injury suffered at the hands of van Dijk. Didn't really get involved too often in the first half.

AM - Dominik Szoboszlai - 8/10

Very nice display from the Hungarian even if a goal contribution didn't come with it. Was inch-perfect with a majority of his passes and kept the ball in Liverpool's court, sparking a few tasty counter-attacks with direct efforts. Sadly, an overall lack of penetration meant it was mostly for nothing.

RW - Mohamed Salah - 6/10

United were working double duty to try and keep Salah out the game, and they were mostly successful. Nulified him down to a few fleeting half-sights of goal and that was mostly it.

LW - Cody Gakpo - 8/10

Struck the woodwork on three occasions - once from a lightning-quick counter and another with a hopeful cross-come-shot on the left. A consistent pain in the side of the visiting backline, with plenty of energy and quality in spells, and finally got the big mark to show for it as he tapped home an equaliser with ten minutes to go.

Could've had another equaliser very soon after United went back ahead, but missed an absolute sitter.

ST - Alex Isak - 4/10

Didn't offer a great deal leading the line, barring a few missed chances. How much did he cost, again? Hooked after the 70-minute mark after a silent second half.

Sub 1 - Hugo Ekitike - 7/10

Carries such a threat and has looked excellent since his arrival. Came off the bench with plenty of bursts in from the flank and daring attempts at goal. Kicked Liverpool's spirits up a notch after coming on, and had a part to play in the leveller.

Sub 2 - Florian Wirtz - 7/10

Offered a bit of penetration and directness that Liverpool were missing at the stage of his introduction. Provided some clever bits of play to keep his side believing, and played a big role in their equaliser.

Sub 3 - Curtis Jones - 7/10

Another great choice in subs by Arne Slot. Jones made his way in for the injured Gravenberch and took his role over excellently. Connected the midfield to the attack superbly with several driving carries through the heart of the game.

Sub 4 - Federico Chiesa - 8/10

He loves this super-sub role, doesn't he? Came off the bench, showed acres more desire and willing than his predecessor Isak, and got an assist soon after coming on. Was a constant thorn with a real necessary injection of pace and energy into Liverpool's ranks.

Sub 5 - Jeremie Frimpong - 6/10

Should have got an assist with a quality ball across the box for Gakpo straight after coming on, but his compatriot somehow missed. Other than that, didn't have impact anywhere else.

Manchester United Player Ratings

GK - Senne Lammens - 8/10

So badly scorned are Manchester United fans by the quality of their goalkeepers over recent years, that a few decent enough displays by new-boy Lammens was enough to have them salivating. Today, he made that fanfare worthwile with a real quality display, withstanding several big chances with some strong stops.

CB - Matthijs de Ligt - 7/10

Solid, composed, tough. Three words that can describe many performances of de Ligt's since he got to Old Trafford. Today was the same. In conjunction with his two partners in the centre, the Dutchman impressed.

CB - Harry Maguire - 9/10

A solid display from the big man. Wasn't afraid to step out the defensive line and pressure those delightful aerial duels, and stayed nice and composed throughout. Was the man after Isak, and kept the Swede near-silent. Popped up so soon after Liverpool got level with a massive goal to win the game. His redemptio arc is sensational to see.

CB - Luke Shaw - 7/10

A very measured performance from Shaw as part of the three central men. When fit, few can deny that Shaw is a top-drawer player, so making that position his own could be a real lift for Amorim going forwards.

RWB - Amad - 7/10

Typically gutsy and energetic. Picked out Mbeumo with a clever pass to assist the (very) early opener, and was a constant threat down the right flank for United. Looks ace playing that deeper role for Amorim.

LWB - Diogo Dalot - 6/10

A little clumsy on the ball and with his passing here and there, but largely did well on the defensive side of things when up against Salah. This shone more in the second half as United dug in and relied on that defensive fortitude.

CM - Casemiro - 7/10

For all the stick this guy took, he's quietly been pretty good under Ruben Amorim, all things considered. There was a little of him in every area this afternoon, keeping Liverpool at arms length nicely as they dominated possession. Withdrawn with a knock on the hour.

CM - Bruno Fernandes - 7/10

A very Bruno Fernandes performance. Got anywhere that air could reach and kept the play swilling over nicely with his deep box of tricks and wide passing range. Hit the post in the first half.

AM - Mason Mount - 7/10

Mason Mount has had more "turning points" in his Manchester United career than a mis-guided bus, but he showed some good quality in this one. Arguably the most improved player under Ruben Amorim since his arrival.

AM - Bryan Mbeumo - 8/10

Got his side off to the perfect start with a lovely early finish in the game's opening minute. Showed a good degree of energy, and put some very tempting bits of play together. Good impact on the game.

ST - Matheus Cunha - 6/10

Didn't really get involved in the game too heavily. Had an inconsequential stab at goal at some point, but mostly sniffed around the gaps in Liverpool's defence to little avail.

Sub 1 - Manuel Ugarte - 6/10

Took over the reins from Casemiro nicely, filling in with the same level of midfield grit and composure on the ball that the Brazilian had been showing.

Sub 2 - Patrick Dorgu - 6/10

Plenty of youthful spirit and energy down the left flank as Dalot moved right to replace Amad. Bags of pace in his arsenal, and had enough in the tank to keep United's levels high under pressure.

Sub 3 - Benjamin Sesko - 6/10

Didn't get much of a chance to trouble the Liverpool net, but is looking a lot more settled now as a Premier League footballer. Looked sharp after coming on.

Sub 4 - Yeny Loro - N/A

Came on late to help shore things up, and did.

Sub 5 - Kobbie Mainoo - N/A

Didn't have enough time to make any real impact.

Man of the Match - Harry Maguire

Is it reactionary to give the man who scored the winner the MOTM award? When considering the performance Maguire had overall, no, we don't think it is.

Maguire led that backline superbly this evening, marshalling Isak personally with keeping everything neat and tidy. And then, when Liverpool finally equalised with one small chink in United's armour, he was there with another massive goal in United colours. A great display.

Rough Day At Work - Alex Isak

For the eye-watering amount Alex Isak cost Liverpool, and for all the drama that surrounded his exit from Newcastle United, you could forgive Liverpool for expecting more from their British-record arrival.

Was quiet as a mouse for large spells of the game, being marked out of any build-up superbly by Maguire and missing the two solid chances he had.