After 11 months and 35 matches, Rúben Amorim finally delivered a breakthrough for Manchester United. The Portuguese coach had once admitted his team might be “the worst in the club’s history.” Criticism had piled up, his position seemed uncertain, and only minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing kept him in charge.
Then came Anfield — the home of United’s fiercest rivals. There, Amorim’s squad showed resilience, determination, and belief.
A victory forged through grit
This was no fortunate win like last December’s shock at Manchester City. United started the game with intensity and focus. Bryan Mbeumo scored early, giving the team confidence, and they defended as a unit under relentless Liverpool pressure.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it seemed the old pattern might repeat. But United refused to fold. Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise cross, and Harry Maguire rose to head home the winner. Amorim later admitted there was “some luck,” but the win was earned through effort and discipline.
The 2-1 victory ended a nine-year wait for success 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 alongside 3,000 travelling fans, sharing their joy. It was a spark of hope after months of uncertainty.
Asked later if his “storm” had passed — a phrase from last December’s unbeaten run — Amorim remained cautious. “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.”
Building momentum from success
Amorim knows one win does not erase months of struggle. Even loyal fans like Frank Ilett — who promised a haircut after five straight victories — may need patience. United’s next fixtures — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will reveal if this revival is real.
In the past two seasons, United earned no points from those games. Former captain Roy Keane urged caution. “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 mirrors 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 model for young players.”
Hope returns, but scrutiny remains
Amorim knows scrutiny 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 on 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.”
