From scrutiny to match winner
Ruben Amorim spoke about storylines around his team, and this night delivered a potent one. Manchester United earned a first Anfield victory since 2016 in a charged spell after Cody Gakpo made it 1 1. Under pressure and with the stadium buzzing, Harry Maguire wrote the decisive chapter. Ten months after missing a late chance at the same end, he stayed alert after a heavy collision with Hugo Ekitike and guided Bruno Fernandes’ cross-home on the volley. Amorim called Maguire a model for young players, praising the way he keeps getting back up. Maguire celebrated in front of both sets of fans, then made sure to soak in the moment with the travelling support that has backed him through the rough.
A result that lifts Amorim’s standing
The away end sang Amorim’s name for minutes after full time. Like the win at the Etihad last November, this was a performance that breathes belief into his methods. United were missing familiar starters and still found clarity. Matheus Cunha was outstanding after long travel with Brazil, dropping into pockets and carrying possession to relieve pressure. Serendipity helped too. With Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven set to come on, Amorim pivoted, warmed up Kobbie Mainoo, and kept Fernandes on just long enough to create the winner.
Selection calls and a direct plan
Amorim admitted that hard moments demand instinct. Benjamin Sesko did not start, which changed the route game. Rather than aiming for flicks to a target, United accepted that Liverpool’s centre backs would win first contact, then hunted the next phases. From kick off that pattern appeared. Bryan Mbeumo recycled to Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot contested wide, and United pounced on loose play to set up the attack for Mbeumo’s opener after Fernandes lifted a smart pass for Amad. It was not only about second balls, it was about winning the fourth.
Numbers behind the approach
Opta logged 45 of Lammens’ 46 passes as long deliveries. Liverpool attempted 47 long balls across the match, with Giorgi Mamardashvili leading their total. The one shorter Lammens pass, a drilled ball to Dalot, produced a move that ended with Fernandes striking the post after Luke Shaw escaped pressure and Cunha switched play to Amad. Maya de Ligt and Maguire handled the aerial duels with calm, while Fernandes set tempo in the chaos and still had the craft for the telling cross.
A turning point or a platform
Amorim noted that in results like this the manager is painted as a genius, and in defeats the manager is the problem. The reality sat somewhere cleaner. United adapted to the contest, trusted experienced leaders, and rode out a fierce spell at Anfield. Maguire’s header delivered catharsis for a defender who has lived the harshest scrutiny, and it also gave Amorim a landmark to point to as he builds authority in the job. The narrative has shifted. Now it is about sustaining it.
