After 11 months and 35 matches, Rúben Amorim finally achieved a breakthrough at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach had once called his team “maybe the worst in the club’s history.” Criticism swirled around him, his future looked uncertain, and only Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support kept him in the job.
Then came Anfield — the home of United’s fiercest rivals. There, Amorim’s team showed they could fight with purpose and belief.
A victory forged through grit
This was no lucky escape like last December’s win at Manchester City. United began the game with intensity and focus. Bryan Mbeumo scored early, giving them confidence, and the team defended as a unit against relentless Liverpool attacks.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it seemed history might repeat itself. But United refused to collapse. Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfect cross, and Harry Maguire powered home the winner. Amorim admitted there was “some luck,” but the victory was built on resilience and determination.
The 2-1 win ended a nine-year wait for victory at Anfield and marked United’s first back-to-back league wins under Amorim. “The biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old coach, visibly relieved.
For a brief moment, Amorim celebrated alongside 3,000 travelling fans. The result gave hope — a spark of belief returning after months of doubt.
Asked later if his “storm” had passed — a phrase from last December’s unbeaten run — Amorim stayed measured. “I have no idea,” he said. “If we show this spirit every day, we’ll win many more games. But we must keep working. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton.”
Momentum must become consistency
Amorim knows one win does not erase past struggles. Even devoted fans, like Frank Ilett — who promised a haircut after five consecutive wins — may need patience. United’s next three fixtures — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will show if this revival is real.
In the past two seasons, United earned no points from those games. Former captain Roy Keane warned against complacency. “The players will return to training in a better place,” he said. “But this must be a launchpad, not a one-off.”
Harry Maguire, celebrating his first win at Anfield, echoed that view. “We haven’t given the fans enough days like this,” he said. “Football is about memories. Today we go home happy — but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s story mirrors the team’s resilience. Stripped of the captaincy, dropped by Ten Hag, and nearly sold to West Ham, he stayed and fought. Even after Amorim initially picked Matthijs de Ligt, Maguire reclaimed his place. Now, deep into the final year of his contract, he is willing to take a pay cut to stay.
“This club carries huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After everything he’s faced, he’s a role model for every young player.”
Pressure remains, but hope flickers
Amorim knows scrutiny is far from over. Another home defeat to Brighton — United’s fourth straight at Old Trafford — could reopen doubts. Many still question whether he will survive the season, despite Ratcliffe’s talk of a three-year plan.
Yet Amorim thrives on challenge. What drives him most is the fans’ loyalty. They endured humiliations against Grimsby and Brentford but continued to support him.
“It’s not normal to have support like this,” he said. “So many bad moments, and still they back me. Everyone said I’d be gone by Christmas. I want them to keep saying that — it motivates me.”
He smiled before leaving the press room. “We haven’t had many wins like this,” he said. “Our fans have suffered too long. Tonight they saw fight, belief, and pride. This win is for them.”
