It took 11 long months and 35 turbulent games for Rúben Amorim to reach this moment. The Portuguese coach had once admitted his side might be “the worst Manchester United team in history.” His future looked fragile, his confidence shaken, and only Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing kept him in the job.
Then came Anfield — football’s fiercest battleground. There, Amorim’s men finally looked like Manchester United again.
A win carved from courage and conviction
This was no lucky escape like last December’s surprise at Manchester City. United showed poise, power, and purpose from the first whistle. Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike gave them the edge, and Amorim’s team fought with intensity to hold it.
Liverpool pushed hard, their crowd roaring them forward. When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it felt like United might crumble. But not this time. Bruno Fernandes delivered a stunning cross, and Harry Maguire rose above the defence to head in the winner. Amorim admitted his team had “some luck,” but this was earned through relentless effort.
The 2-1 win ended a nine-year wait for victory at Anfield and brought back-to-back league wins for the first time under Amorim. “The biggest win of my time here,” the 40-year-old said, smiling as relief swept over him.
For a few moments, Amorim joined 3,000 travelling fans in wild celebration. It was a release of frustration, doubt, and disbelief — a moment when hope returned.
Later, asked if his much-discussed “storm” had passed, Amorim stayed measured. “I have no idea,” he said. “If we show this spirit every day, we’ll win plenty. But we must act, not talk. It’s been a good day. Now we focus on Brighton.”
The challenge of keeping the flame alive
Amorim knows one victory does not erase months of struggle. Even loyal fans like Frank Ilett, who promised a haircut after five straight wins, may not rush to the barber just yet. United’s next three matches — Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham — will reveal whether this revival has roots.
In the last two seasons, United took no points from those same fixtures. Former captain Roy Keane called for focus. “The players will be lifted,” he said. “But this must be a launchpad.”
Harry Maguire, celebrating his first win at Anfield, echoed that view. “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 ahead of ourselves.”
Maguire’s story sums up the spirit Amorim wants. Cast aside by Ten Hag, stripped of the captaincy, and close to joining West Ham, he stayed and fought. When Amorim preferred Matthijs de Ligt at first, Maguire battled back into the team. Now, even with his contract running down, he’s open to a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
“This club brings huge pressure,” Amorim said. “Harry is vital for us. After all he’s been through, he’s a great example for young players.”
Pressure lingers, but belief is reborn
Amorim’s fight is far from over. Another home defeat to Brighton — United’s fourth straight against them at Old Trafford — would reopen wounds and questions about his future. Many still believe he won’t survive the season, despite Ratcliffe’s talk of a three-year project.
But Amorim thrives on adversity. What keeps him going is the unwavering support from fans who have endured humiliation at Grimsby and disappointment at Brentford yet continue to sing his name.
“It’s not normal to have supporters 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 helps me.”
He smiled before walking away. “We haven’t had many wins like this,” he said. “Our fans suffered for too long. Today they finally saw fight, belief, and unity. This win is for them.”
