It took 11 months and 35 matches for this moment to arrive. It came after Rúben Amorim described his side as “maybe” the worst Manchester United team ever. It followed weeks of public uncertainty, self-doubt, and speculation that his job was in danger. Even minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had to step in to reassure him publicly.
Finally, at Anfield – home of United’s greatest rivals – Amorim’s men produced the response he needed most.
A performance full of character
This was no fluke like the dramatic win at Manchester City last December. This time, United controlled the game for 83 minutes. Bryan Mbeumo struck early to give them the lead, and the team fought with everything to protect it. As Liverpool piled on pressure in the second half, United defended with determination and courage.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, United did not collapse. They regrouped. Then Bruno Fernandes delivered a stunning cross, and Harry Maguire powered home the winner. Amorim admitted later his team had “some luck,” but this time luck met spirit.
It was United’s first victory at Anfield in nine years and their first back-to-back Premier League wins under Amorim. “The biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old coach proudly.
For a brief moment, Amorim celebrated like the 3,000 travelling supporters in the away end. Few expected United to win, even against a Liverpool side low on confidence.
When Amorim faced the press afterward, he was composed again. Reporters reminded him of his December comment after beating Everton 4-0, when he promised “a storm was coming.” Was it over now? “I have no idea,” he said. “If we show this spirit in training and in every game, we’ll win many matches. But we must keep acting. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton. We’ll see after that.”
Hope returns, but patience is needed
Amorim’s caution makes sense. Even hopeful fans like Frank Ilett, who promised himself a haircut after five straight wins, may have to wait a bit longer. The next three fixtures are tough: Brighton at home, Nottingham Forest away, and Tottenham away. In the last two seasons, United didn’t earn a single point from those matches.
Supporters have seen too many false dawns. “The players will return to training in a better place,” said former captain Roy Keane. “But they must use this as a springboard to push forward.”
Harry Maguire, celebrating his first Anfield victory as a United player, shared the same view. “We haven’t given the fans enough days like this,” he said. “Football is about special memories. Today we go home happy – but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s story mirrors United’s resilience. When Erik ten Hag dropped him and took away the captaincy, Maguire could have left. West Ham wanted him, but he stayed. When Amorim arrived and preferred Matthijs de Ligt, he fought back again. Now, with his contract nearing its end, he is even open to a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
“This club carries massive pressure,” said Amorim. “Harry is essential for us. After all he’s faced, he’s a great example for every young player.”
Still fragile, but belief is building
One result won’t silence Amorim’s critics. Ratcliffe may talk about giving him three years, but another defeat to Brighton next weekend – United’s fourth straight loss to them at Old Trafford – could spark renewed doubt. Many pundits still believe his time at the club is limited.
Amorim has learned to use that pressure as motivation. What keeps him going is the loyalty of the supporters. They have suffered through humiliation at League Two Grimsby, frustration against Brentford, and countless poor results. Yet, they still sing his name.
“It’s not normal to have this kind of support,” said Amorim. “So many bad moments, and still the fans back the manager. Everyone said I’d be gone by Christmas. I want you all to keep saying that. It’s best for me.”
Then he smiled. “I don’t have many wins in Manchester,” he said. “Our fans suffered against Grimsby, they suffered against Brentford. Today, they saw a different team. This win is for them.”
