It took 11 months and 35 matches for this night to arrive. Rúben Amorim had once called his own side “maybe” the worst Manchester United team ever. His future looked uncertain, and doubts grew louder every week. Even minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had to speak out recently to calm speculation about his job.
At last, under the floodlights of Anfield, Amorim’s team delivered a victory that changed everything.
A defining night at Anfield
This was not a lucky break like the smash-and-grab win over Manchester City last December. This time, United played with control and courage. Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal gave them the perfect start, and they battled fiercely to protect it. As Liverpool pushed forward, United’s defence held strong.
When Cody Gakpo levelled in the 78th minute, the familiar collapse never came. Instead, United fought back. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a perfect cross, and Harry Maguire headed home the decisive goal. Amorim admitted afterward that his side had “some luck,” but their fight and focus made the difference.
The victory ended a nine-year drought at Anfield and gave United back-to-back league wins for the first time under Amorim. “The biggest win in my time at Manchester United,” said the 40-year-old coach proudly.
As the final whistle blew, Amorim allowed himself a rare moment of emotion, celebrating with the 3,000 travelling fans. Few had expected United to win here, even against a struggling Liverpool side.
When the post-match calm returned, Amorim was reflective. Reporters reminded him of his bold words after beating Everton 4-0 in December, when he said “a storm was coming.” Asked if that storm had now passed, he replied, “I have no idea. If we show this spirit in training and matches, we’ll win many games. But we must keep acting. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton. We’ll see after that.”
Staying grounded amid growing optimism
Amorim’s caution is understandable. Even the most loyal fans know how quickly United’s optimism can fade. Supporter Frank Ilett, who vowed to get a haircut once United win five in a row, might be waiting a while longer. The next fixtures — Brighton at home, Nottingham Forest away, and Tottenham away — will be severe tests. United haven’t taken a single point from these same matches in the past two seasons.
Former captain Roy Keane urged focus rather than celebration. “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, who finally earned his first Anfield win as a United player, agreed. “We haven’t given the fans enough days like that,” he said. “Football is about creating special memories. Today we go home happy — but we can’t get carried away.”
Maguire’s story reflects Amorim’s message of resilience. When Erik ten Hag dropped him and stripped him of the captaincy, he stayed and fought. West Ham offered him a way out, but he refused to leave. When Amorim arrived and chose Matthijs de Ligt instead, Maguire worked his way back again. Now, deep in the final year of his contract, he’s even open to a pay cut to stay.
“This club comes with big pressure,” said Amorim. “Harry is essential for us. After everything he’s been through, he’s a great example for every young player.”
Pressure lingers, but faith is returning
Amorim knows one victory won’t erase the doubts. Ratcliffe may talk about giving him three years, but another home defeat to Brighton next weekend — United’s fourth in a row against them at Old Trafford — would reignite the criticism. Many still believe his time in charge won’t last.
Amorim, though, has learned to use that talk as fuel. What keeps him steady is the loyalty of the supporters. They’ve endured humiliation at League Two Grimsby, frustration against Brentford, and months of disappointment. Yet they still sing his name.
“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.”
