Manchester United ripped through Liverpool’s defence to claim a famous 2-1 victory at Anfield on Sunday, ending a nine-year winless run at the iconic ground and piling pressure on manager Arne Slot.

In a game that combined intensity, controversy, and precision finishing, the Red Devils silenced the Kop and reignited their Premier League campaign in stunning fashion.

United stunned the home crowd within two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a defensive lapse to fire past Alisson and give the visitors an early lead.

Although Liverpool fought back with spells of possession and pressure, Erik ten Hag’s men stood firm, showing grit and composure rarely seen in recent trips to Merseyside.

Cody Gakpo eventually equalised in the 78th minute, but the joy was short-lived as Harry Maguire’s towering header in the 84th minute sealed a famous victory for United.

The result leaves Liverpool’s title defence in tatters, marking their fourth straight defeat in all competitions, a nightmare run that has exposed their fragility and defensive lapses.

Slot, visibly frustrated, lamented his side’s wastefulness and United’s direct style, describing them as a “long-ball team” while insisting Liverpool “hardly conceded a chance” despite the loss.

“It’s hard to take,” the Dutchman told reporters. “We created enough to win, but we keep conceding soft goals, especially from set pieces. You can’t win football matches if you have a negative balance on set plays.”

With the victory, United climbed to ninth in the table, while Liverpool slipped to fourth with four points behind leaders Arsenal.