Just as it seemed Sunday’s match at Anfield had swung in Liverpool’s direction, Harry Maguire delivered a knockout blow for Manchester United. The 32-year-old rose highest from a Bruno Fernandes cross into the box to head past Giorgi Mamardashvili and into the opposition net, securing a 2-1 win for the visitors.
It was possibly the highlight moment of Maguire’s Manchester United career to date. Having been a target for derision and criticism, the central defender has managed to turn around his fortunes. While Maguire has been in and out of Ruben Amorim’s lineup this season, he is now a trusted figure in the Old Trafford dressing room.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-2 during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, 2025 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United rode its luck against Liverpool. The Premier League champions struck the woodwork more than once and could have found the back of the net more than just once. On another day Liverpool might have claimed three points and ended its three-game losing run.
On the whole, though, United is finally heading in the right direction. Amorim is getting through to his players. Maguire is someone that the Portuguese coach can count on. That was certainly the case on Sunday when the 32-year-old didn’t just score the winner, but was solid at the back.
“I don’t have many wins with Manchester [United], so this is really important. I think that was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said Amorim after the win at Anfield, reflecting on his biggest victory as United boss. “It’s back-to-back, it’s at Anfield – that is really important. Every detail of this game.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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“We are the same team that we were 90 minutes ago. The way people see the team is different. But we have a lot to do. We had some luck in a few moments. We had an amazing spirit. We need to take all of that to the next game. So the goal is always the same.”
Amorim is right to point out that Manchester United still has a long way to go. The Red Devils are still only ninth in the Premier League table. Having said that, United is only two points behind Liverpool and one point behind the top five and the Champions League qualification spots.
Maguire might never live up to the £80m fee Manchester United paid for him back in 2019, but he is more than proving his worth as a valuable squad member for a team that might at long last be on an upward trajectory. The win at Anfield could be a big moment for the player and his club.