Mbeumo equals 30-year-old record as Man United win at Liverpool for first time in nine years

Liverpool lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

United took the lead in the second minute, with Bryan Mbeumo slotting the ball home from Amad Diallo’s pass.

According to OptaJoe, the Cameroonian’s strike was the first time since 1995 that a goal was scored inside two minutes in a league fixture between Liverpool and United.

Virgil van Dijk missed a chance to level the scores for the Reds, heading wide at the far post from a corner-kick.

Cody Gakpo then hit the woodwork in the 21st minute as the hosts began to gain control of the game.

However, United should have doubled their lead when Bruno Fernandes fired his effort wide from a promising position,

Ibrahima Konate put record signing Alexander Isak through on goal, but he fired his effort straight at goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Gakpo almost conceded an own goal with a poor clearance, and Konate had to head the ball clear from the resulting corner-kick to avert the danger entirely.

United finished the first half as the better side, creating better chances and defending solidly.

Gakpo struck the woodwork again after half-time, much to United’s relief.

United were forced to make two changes before the hour mark. Manuel Ugarte replaced Casemiro, and Patrick Dorgu came in for Diallo.

Mohamed Salah squandered another big chance to restore parity for Liverpool, and Kerkez almost scored another own-goal as United attacked at the other end.

Substitute Curtis Jones made a brilliant solo run in the 75th minute, but his effort was straight at Lammens.

Liverpool finally made it 1-1 in the 78th minute, as Gakpo slotted Federico Chiesa’s low cross home to score for the second consecutive league game.

Harry Maguire restored United’s lead in the 83rd minute with a precise header.

United held onto their lead despite late pressure. They are now ninth in the table, just two points adrift of second-placed Manchester City.