It took 11 long months and 35 matches to reach this moment. Rúben Amorim once called his side “maybe” the worst Manchester United team ever. His job looked uncertain, his confidence shaken, and his future under constant debate. Even minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had to step in and show public support.
But under the lights of Anfield, Amorim’s team finally delivered a performance that could change everything.
A statement of strength at Anfield
This was not another desperate snatch-and-grab like last December’s win over Manchester City. This time, United controlled the game from the first minute. Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike gave them the lead, and they defended it with courage and unity. As Liverpool attacked with growing intensity, United refused to buckle.
When Cody Gakpo levelled in the 78th minute, old fears resurfaced. But instead of folding, United fought back. Bruno Fernandes sent in a perfect cross, and Harry Maguire rose to head home the winning goal. Amorim admitted his team had “some luck,” but their spirit made the difference.
The victory ended a nine-year wait for a win at Anfield. It also marked United’s first back-to-back Premier League victories since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag. “The biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old manager, his voice steady but proud.
For a moment, Amorim celebrated with the 3,000 travelling fans, swept up in their joy. Few expected this result, even with Liverpool struggling for form.
Later, when the noise settled, Amorim reflected. Reporters reminded him of his words after a 4-0 win over Everton in December, when he said “a storm was coming.” Was that storm now over? “I have no idea,” he said. “If we show today’s spirit in every training and match, we’ll win many games. But we must act. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton. We’ll see after that.”
Hope returns, but reality remains
Amorim knows better than to get carried away. Even the most loyal fans remain cautious. Supporter Frank Ilett, who promised himself a haircut after five straight wins, may have to wait longer yet. The next three matches — Brighton at home, Nottingham Forest away, and Tottenham away — will test this fragile revival. United have not earned a single point from those fixtures in the past two seasons.
Former captain Roy Keane warned against complacency. “The players will go back to training in a better place,” he said. “But they must use this as a springboard to move forward.”
Harry Maguire, celebrating his first Anfield win as a United player, echoed that thought. “We haven’t given the fans enough days like this,” he said. “Football is about creating memories. Today we go home happy — but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s comeback mirrors United’s fight. When Ten Hag dropped him and stripped him of the captaincy, he could have left. West Ham offered him a move, but he stayed. When Amorim arrived and chose Matthijs de Ligt instead, Maguire refused to give up. Now, with his contract nearing its end, he’s ready to take a pay cut to stay.
“This club brings enormous pressure,” said Amorim. “Harry is vital for us. After all he’s faced, he’s a perfect example for every young player.”
Still fragile, but belief is growing
Amorim knows a single win changes little. Ratcliffe may speak of giving him three years, but another home loss to Brighton next weekend — United’s fourth in a row against them at Old Trafford — could reopen old wounds. Many observers still believe his time at the club will be short.
But Amorim now turns pressure into energy. What truly drives him is the loyalty of the fans. They have endured humiliation at League Two Grimsby, defeat to Brentford, and months of frustration. Yet they still sing his name.
“It’s not normal to have support like this,” Amorim said. “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.”
