After 11 months and 35 matches, Rúben Amorim finally experienced his defining moment at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach had once called his team “maybe the worst in the club’s history.” His position seemed fragile, criticism relentless, and only Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support kept him in charge.
Then came Anfield — the home of United’s fiercest rivals. There, Amorim’s squad showed resilience, fight, and belief.
A triumph built on grit and determination
This was no lucky escape like last December’s win at Manchester City. United started the game with purpose and intensity. 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 history might repeat. But United refused to fold. Bruno Fernandes delivered a perfect cross, and Harry Maguire powered home the winner. Amorim admitted there was “some luck,” but the win was earned through resilience and collective effort.
The 2-1 victory ended a nine-year wait for success at Anfield and marked the 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 with 3,000 travelling fans, sharing their joy and relief. It was a spark of hope after months of uncertainty.
Later, asked 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 acting. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton.”
Turning victory into consistency
Amorim knows one win does not erase past struggles. Even loyal fans like Frank Ilett — who promised a haircut after five consecutive victories — may need patience. United’s next fixtures — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will reveal if this revival is genuine.
In the last two seasons, United earned no points from those matches. Former captain Roy Keane urged caution. “The players will return to training in a better place,” he said. “But this must be a springboard, not a one-off.”
Harry Maguire, celebrating his first Anfield win, echoed the sentiment. “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 journey mirrors the team’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 stay.
“This club brings huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After everything he’s faced, he’s a model for young players.”
Pressure remains, but hope returns
Amorim knows scrutiny will not disappear. Another home defeat to Brighton — United’s fourth straight at Old Trafford — could reignite questions about his future. Many still doubt he will last the season despite Ratcliffe’s three-year plan.
Yet Amorim thrives on challenge. What sustains him most is the loyalty of fans who have 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.”
