Amorim: Liverpool triumph 'the biggest in my time at Man Utd'

Ruben Amorim believes that Manchester United's 2-1 victory away to Liverpool on Sunday was the best of his turbulent tenure at Old Trafford. 

Harry Maguire's 84th-minute header sealed a first Premier League win for United at Anfield since 2016, ending a run of nine straight league games without victory (D5 L4).

United needed just 62 seconds to get themselves in front through Bryan Mbeumo, but Liverpool's spell of pressure told when Cody Gakpo equalised 12 minutes from time. 

However, another set-piece proved the Reds' undoing once more, with Maguire rising highest to plant Bruno Fernandes' sensational cross beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili's grasp. 

United have also now won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since winning their final two games of the 2023-24 season and their opening game of the 2024-25 campaign, relieving some pressure on Amorim. 

During the international break, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe voiced his backing for the 40-year-old head coach, stressing he would give him three years to succeed. 

And Amorim repaid some of that show of faith here, though the United boss insisted that his 21st win in charge of the club on Sunday was certainly his standout. 

"I think that was the biggest win in my time at Manchester United. It means a lot today, but tomorrow it won't mean a lot. It's three points, and it's a good victory," Amorim said. 

"We fought for every ball, we lost our composure in the second half, but the spirit was there and that is the most important thing. If you have the spirit, you can win any game.

"It was a good day, and now I am concerned about Brighton. I will enjoy it but let's focus on Brighton."

Indeed, Amorim also became only the third manager to win both of his first two Premier League away games against the defending champions, after Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte.

But his team were made to work for their victory, with Gakpo hitting the woodwork three times during the contest before eventually finding a way past Senne Lammens. 

The visitors registered an expected goals (xG) total of 1.26 from their 12 attempts to Liverpool's 2.76 from their 19 shots, six of which were on target. 

"We just saw the game and knew how important our set pieces are and the guys that have more experience are on in the beginning," Amorim added. 

"Every time we play in this environment well, if you block well in the beginning, you can feel the defence turning, and we feel that in our stadium and all the big teams feel that. 

"It will give us more confidence throughout the week and pleasure for our fans, they deserve it and that is in our hands. This is in the past. Now it's time to look at the future."