Ruben Amorim praised the “spirit” as Manchester United produced a statement win against Liverpool at Anfield for the first time since 2016.
Manchester United earned a fantastic 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side taking a crucial three points at Anfield.
United struck early as Bryan Mbeumo finished smartly from a tight angle after a clever pass from Amad. Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled the lead, but Amorim’s men went into the break one up.
Liverpool came out strong after half-time, with Cody Gakpo hitting the post before Amorim brought on Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to refresh his side. Gakpo levelled late on, but Harry Maguire’s header quickly restored United’s advantage.
Liverpool pushed hard in the final minutes, yet United held firm to seal their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Amorim happy with United’s spirit vs Liverpool
After United’s win, Amorim said, “Spirit was there, and that is the most important thing. It was a great win, not a very well-played game, but a great spirit, and that is all I can ask for.”
United were not perfect, but their best quality was that they showed real grit and executed their game plan perfectly. They had a swagger about them going forward; every time they attacked, they looked menacing.
The embodiment of spirit was perhaps seen in the full-time celebrations. Joshua Zirkzee, an unused substitute reportedly frustrated by a lack of game time, gave a passionate reaction—swallowing his ego and putting the team first—the type of character United needs.
United teams have lacked spirit in the past, especially at Anfield. They have been feeble, fragile, and simply folded. On Sunday afternoon, United showed steely determination in their work.
Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes recently launched strong defences of their manager, and the proof was in the pudding with their performance.
United are finally running like “mad dogs”
Since his arrival, Rúben Amorim has been under incessant pressure, but Sunday’s 1-2 victory over Liverpool at Anfield can certainly be a turning point.
The result is more than just three points—for Amorim, it could prove to be a defining moment in his tenure. For the players, it will exude much-needed belief throughout the squad and give them confidence that they can go toe to toe with anybody. For the fans, it was an ‘I was there’ moment.
United’s spirit sparked in the first minute when they scored the game’s first goal through Mbeumo. From there, confidence grew, and United went punch for punch.
Amorim previously warned the players they must “run like mad dogs,” which came to fruition at Anfield. In addition to winning games, he has been tasked with changing the club’s culture.
For too long, Manchester United has been a team of individuals—yesterday, fans saw a collective, a stoic spirit, and dogged determination. They were United by name but also by nature.
Amorim will hope for more signs of recovery as United welcome Brighton to Old Trafford on Saturday. United could win three games in a row for the first time since his appointment.
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