Eleven months, 35 matches, and countless doubts later, Rúben Amorim finally has his defining moment. The Portuguese coach once called his squad “maybe the worst Manchester United team in history.” His job looked doomed, his confidence shaken, and only Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support kept him in charge.
Then came Anfield — the ground where legends are made or broken. Against their greatest rivals, United found their spirit again.
A victory shaped by courage and control
This was no fortunate escape like last December’s win at Manchester City. Amorim’s side started with purpose and poise. Bryan Mbeumo struck early, setting the tone. For 83 minutes, United held their ground, fought for every tackle, and defended as a unit when Liverpool pressed.
When Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, it felt like the familiar story — but United refused to fold. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a brilliant cross, and Harry Maguire rose above everyone to head home the winner. Amorim admitted there was “some luck,” but it was built on relentless work.
The 2-1 win ended a nine-year wait for victory at Anfield and gave Amorim consecutive league wins for the first time. “The biggest win of my time here,” said the 40-year-old coach, his relief visible.
For a brief moment, Amorim celebrated with the travelling fans who had sung his name through darker days. It was joy mixed with disbelief — a night when belief returned to Old Trafford’s followers.
Asked later if his “storm” had passed — a phrase from his early unbeaten run last winter — Amorim smiled. “I have no idea,” he said. “If we keep this spirit every day, we’ll win a lot more. But we must keep working. It’s been a good day. Now we move on to Brighton.”
The challenge of consistency
Amorim knows that one win changes nothing if the next defeats follow. Even the most loyal fans, like Frank Ilett — who promised himself a haircut after five straight wins — may not need scissors yet. United’s next games against Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham will reveal whether this was a turning point or another false dawn.
In the past two seasons, those fixtures have yielded zero points. Former captain Roy Keane warned against complacency. “The players will feel better,” he said. “But this has to be a springboard.”
Harry Maguire, who finally won at Anfield, echoed the sentiment. “We haven’t given the fans enough days 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. Cast aside by Ten Hag, stripped of the captaincy, and nearly sold to West Ham, he stayed and fought. Even after Amorim picked Matthijs de Ligt ahead of him, Maguire battled back. Now, deep into the final year of his deal, he’s ready to take 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 young players.”
Pressure remains, but faith flickers again
Amorim’s future is still under scrutiny. Another defeat to Brighton — which would make four straight at Old Trafford — could restart the questions. Many believe Ratcliffe’s talk of a three-year plan will not protect him if results turn.
Yet Amorim thrives on the noise. What sustains him most is the loyalty of supporters who have suffered humiliation at Grimsby, disappointment at Brentford, and still never stopped believing.
“It’s not normal to have this kind of backing,” Amorim said. “So many bad moments, and still they support me. Everyone said I’d be gone by Christmas. I want them to keep saying that — it helps me.”
He smiled before leaving. “We haven’t had many wins like this,” he said. “Our fans have waited too long. Tonight they finally saw fight, belief, and unity. This one is for them.”
