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 piled up, his job seemed fragile, and only minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing kept him in place.
Then came Anfield — the home of United’s fiercest rivals. There, Amorim’s team showed resilience, belief, and determination.
A triumph forged through resilience
This was no lucky escape like last December’s win at Manchester City. United started the game with intensity and focus. Bryan Mbeumo scored early, giving the side confidence, and the team defended as a unit against relentless Liverpool pressure.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it seemed the familiar story 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 was earned through effort, focus, and teamwork.
The 2-1 win 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 brief moment, Amorim celebrated with 3,000 travelling fans, sharing their joy and disbelief. The result brought hope after months of struggle.
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 keep 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.”
From one win to lasting momentum
Amorim knows one victory does not erase past struggles. Even loyal fans like Frank Ilett — who promised a haircut after five straight wins — may need patience. United’s next fixtures — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will show whether this revival is real.
In the past two seasons, United earned no points from those matches. 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 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 carries huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After everything he has faced, he’s a role model for young players.”
Pressure remains, but belief returns
Amorim knows scrutiny will not vanish. 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 motivates him most is the loyalty of fans who 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.”
