It took 11 months and 35 matches to reach this point. Rúben Amorim had once described his own side as “maybe” the worst Manchester United team ever. His confidence wavered, his position looked fragile, and rumours of his dismissal grew louder by the week. Even minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had to intervene to offer public support.
Then came Anfield — the stage where Manchester United’s rivals have dominated for years. This time, Amorim’s men stood tall and delivered.
A breakthrough built on grit and belief
This wasn’t another smash-and-grab victory like the one over Manchester City last December. United played with structure, intensity, and purpose. Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal gave them a platform, and they fought ferociously to protect it. As Liverpool surged forward, United stayed organised and refused to fold.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it felt like history might repeat itself. But instead of collapsing, United pushed again. Bruno Fernandes delivered a superb cross, and Harry Maguire powered home a header that sealed a famous 2-1 win. Amorim admitted afterward his side had “some luck,” but for once, it was luck earned through effort.
It was United’s first victory at Anfield in nine years and their first back-to-back Premier League wins since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag. “The biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old coach, his relief visible.
For a rare moment, Amorim celebrated with the 3,000 away fans who roared his name. Few had expected a result like this, even against a Liverpool side in decline.
When calm returned, Amorim was asked if this marked the end of his “storm” — a phrase he used after beating Everton 4-0 last December. He smiled. “I have no idea,” he said. “If we show this spirit in training and in games, 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.”
The challenge of sustaining momentum
Amorim knows better than anyone how fragile progress can be. Even devoted fans like Frank Ilett, who promised himself a haircut after five straight wins, might not need scissors just yet. United’s next three fixtures — Brighton at home, Nottingham Forest away, and Tottenham away — will test whether this revival is real. They haven’t earned a single point from those same games in the past two seasons.
Former captain Roy Keane urged focus and consistency. “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 win at Anfield as a United player, agreed. “We haven’t given the fans enough days like that,” he said. “Football is about special memories. Today we go home happy — but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s own resilience mirrors United’s revival. When Ten Hag dropped him and removed the captaincy, he stayed and fought. West Ham wanted him, but he refused to leave. When Amorim arrived and picked Matthijs de Ligt instead, Maguire battled his way back. Now, deep into the final year of his contract, he’s even open to a pay cut to stay.
“This club brings huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After everything he’s faced, he’s an example for every young player.”
Under scrutiny, but faith returns
One win won’t silence Amorim’s critics. Ratcliffe has spoken of a three-year project, but another home defeat to Brighton — United’s fourth straight against them at Old Trafford — would stir up new doubts. Many pundits still expect his tenure to end early.
Yet Amorim has learned to use that pressure as motivation. What sustains him most is the fans’ loyalty. They’ve endured humiliation at League Two Grimsby, painful losses to Brentford, and months of poor football. Still, they sing for him.
“It’s not normal to have support like this,” 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.”
