Derby Day Shock: United Edge Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in a North-West Classic
19 October 2025
Match Snapshot
Manchester United grabbed a dramatic 2-1 victory at Anfield in a high-stakes North-West Derby, extending Liverpool’s winless run in the Premier League and nudging United up the table in a match that will be remembered for its early shock and late twists.
Bryan Mbeumo struck twice for United, including a 61-second opener that stunned the home crowd. Cody Gakpo pulled Liverpool level in the 78th minute, but United restored their lead with a late header from Harry Maguire in the 84th, sealing a precious win for the visitors.
Liverpool pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the United defense held firm as the clock ticked down, with Mbeumo’s quickfire finish proving decisive in a frenetic contest.
Both teams traded chances in a frenetic first half, as the pace of the midfield battles and aerial duels kept the ball mostly in the central areas. Liverpool’s early pressure yielded nothing decisive, while United’s counter-attacking tempo kept Jurgen Klopp’s side honest throughout the stanza.
After the break, the hosts pushed harder, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo testing the United backline and goalkeeper. A decisive moment arrived when Amad Diallo’s pace and vision unlocked the Liverpool defence, enabling Mbeumo to double United’s advantage in a swift, clinical move that showcased United’s threat on the break.
Liverpool continued to press in search of parity, but Bruno Fernandes and the United midfield answered with discipline and resilience, weathering several late-second chances and a flurry of substitutions that altered the rhythm of the game. The contest ended with United’s compact shape and incisive finishing earning them all three points at the expense of their city rivals.
In a match defined by quick transitions, micro-misjudgments, and the occasional moment of controversy, United’s two goals proved enough to secure a memorable scalp on the road, while Liverpool left with questions to answer ahead of their next fixture.
