Ruben Amorim praises United fans after Liverpool win: “When you all said I would be gone by Christmas, they supported” | OneFootball

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United

Ruben Amorim paid tribute to the Manchester United fans after guiding the Red Devils to their first victory away at bitter rivals Liverpool in almost ten years.

United ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, securing Amorim all three points in back-to-back games for the first time since taking charge. Amorim’s side move up to 9th with the result, but more importantly are just three points off 2nd place in the English top flight.

United’s goals came at each end of the match, starting with Bryan Mbeumo’s opener after just a minute of play. Liverpool levelled through Cody Gakpo on 78 minutes, but United captain Bruno Fernandes picked out Harry Maguire with a superb cross (84’) to give the visitors a memorable win.

“I think we started really well,” Amorim said in his post-match press conference. “I think we had a great spirit during the game. I think we didn’t play well with the ball, just certain moments. We created chances, we suffered some chances. We lost some composure in the second half. We managed well after suffering a goal, which is a key point for out team.

“It was a great win. Not a very well-played game from our part, but a great spirit and that is the only thing I can ask.”

Amorim deployed both of his Portuguese internationals, with Bruno Fernandes continuing in midfield and Diogo Dalot selected at left wing-back, before moving to the right midway through the second period. Fernandes struck the post in the first half and was due to be substituted before Maguire’s goal as he tired, but fortunately for Amorim and United he remained on the field to produce the assist for Maguire’s header.

Fans' support not normal - Amorim

United’s fans were in strong voice as usual and once again Amorim was serenaded with supportive chants from the away section. The Red Devils fans are renowned for their rare levels of loyalty to managers during testing times and Amorim has regularly admitted that the backing he has received leaves a mark on him.

“It’s not normal,” said the former Sporting boss. “It’s hard to find something like this. So many bad moments, then to have the fans always supporting the manager. When every one of you [journalists] is saying by Christmas, I’m gone. So that is not normal, I’m so lucky to have the fans. But again, let’s focus on the next one.

“Is the storm over? I have no idea. If we show the spirit we showed today every day, in training and in games, I think we are going to win so many games. But for that we need to take action, not speak about it. Good day today. Let’s focus on Brighton and we’ll see.

“What we need to do is try to win three games in a row. We already said we need to go to Europe. But this doesn’t change anything. We are the same team as we were 90 minutes ago. The way people see the team is different, but we are the same team. We have a lot to do. We had some luck in a few moments, we had amazing spirit. We need to take all of that to the next games, so the goal is always the same.”

United host Brighton and Hove Albion, a side with an excellent recent record against the Red Devils, at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.