After 11 months and 35 matches, Rúben Amorim finally produced a breakthrough at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach had once called his team “maybe the worst in the club’s history.” Criticism had mounted, his future looked uncertain, and only minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing secured his position.
Then came Anfield — the ground where United’s fiercest rivals dominate. There, Amorim’s squad showed resilience, belief, and determination.
A win forged in determination
This was no fluke like last December’s victory at Manchester City. United started with focus and intensity. Bryan Mbeumo scored early, giving the team confidence, and they defended as a unit against a relentless Liverpool attack.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it felt like history might repeat. 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 came from effort, discipline, and belief.
The 2-1 triumph ended a nine-year wait at Anfield and marked back-to-back league wins under Amorim for the first time. “The biggest win of my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old coach, visibly relieved.
For a few moments, Amorim celebrated with 3,000 travelling fans, sharing their joy and disbelief. It was a spark of hope after months of struggle.
Asked later if his “storm” had passed — a phrase from last December’s unbeaten run — Amorim stayed cautious. “I have no idea,” he said. “If we keep this spirit in training and games, we’ll win many more. But we must keep working. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton.”
Turning victory into momentum
Amorim knows one win cannot erase past struggles. Even loyal fans like Frank Ilett — who promised a haircut after five consecutive wins — may need patience. United’s next fixtures — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will test whether this revival is genuine.
Over the past two seasons, United took no points from those games. Former captain Roy Keane urged focus. “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 Anfield win, agreed. “We haven’t given the fans enough moments like this,” he said. “Football is about memories. Today we go home happy — but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s journey reflects United’s resilience. Dropped by Ten Hag, stripped of the captaincy, and nearly sold to West Ham, he stayed and fought. Even after Amorim initially preferred 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 remain at Old Trafford.
“This club brings huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After everything he’s faced, he’s a role model for young players.”
Hope returns amid ongoing scrutiny
Amorim knows pressure will not disappear. Another home defeat to Brighton — United’s fourth straight at Old Trafford — could reignite doubts. Many still question whether he will survive the season despite Ratcliffe’s three-year plan.
Yet Amorim thrives under challenge. What sustains him most is the loyalty of fans who endured humiliations against Grimsby and Brentford but never stopped supporting 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.”
