Harry Maguire's mark moment
When Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool, Anfield became explosive. The home team pressed, the attack line overflowed like a storm and Man United was at risk of collapsing once again. However, instead of falling, Maguire extinguished the home team's spirit with a decisive header, bringing a historic victory to the "Red Devils".
10 months ago was also a close-range situation for Liverpool at Anfield, Maguire missed the opportunity to score the decisive goal of the match in the final seconds. This time, he completed his mission excellently when he jumped high to receive Bruno Fernandes' cross, launching a close-range header into Liverpool's net.
Amorim praised Maguire as an example for all young players. From being criticized, becoming a joke on social networks, even having his captain's armband revoked, the English midfielder has gone through the darkest days of his career to gradually become a symbol of professionalism. The recent goal could be the most important moment of the season for Maguire himself and coach Ruben Amorim.
After scoring, Maguire slipped the grass to celebrate right in front of Liverpool fans, then slowly returned to the Man United fan area.
At that moment of scoring, I just knew I was not offside or not sure where to stand. I wanted to get on the knee to celebrate and realized that I had to run to the stands of Man United fans. They have always supported me throughout. It was a very special moment, Maguire said.
Victory for Ruben Amorim
Maguire's goal did not only mean 3 points. It also gave Ruben Amorim a strong transformation in his journey to assert himself in the Premier League. After the final whistle, the "Red Devils" fans lingered in the stands and sang Ruben Amorim's name, something they did not do after the bitter defeats against Grimsby Town and Brentford.
Like the 2-1 win over Man City in November 2024, this was a performance that clearly demonstrated Amorim's mettle. He made bold decisions such as leaving Benjamin Sesko and Leny Yoro on the bench, giving Matheus Cunha - an excellent player in the role of "false 9". The Brazilian star kept the ball, creating the tempo and reducing pressure on the lower line.
When you are a coach, sometimes you have to listen intuitively. The game is constantly changing, the approach must also change. I need Cunha to keep the ball, not a tall striker who is easy to follow" - Amorim shared.
The image of Man United is having many changes under Ruben Amorim
No longer playing a simple long pass like when playing against Chelsea or Sunderland, Man United's performance at Anfield showed more transformation. They took the initiative to press Liverpool and then took advantage of the space behind the midfield. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens made 46 passes, 45 of which were accurate long passes, starting many quick counter-attacks.
It was from such a move that Man United opened the scoring. The Red Devils did not win with beautiful football, it came from organization, steadfast will and the ability to take advantage of the moment.
From doubt to faith
Ruben Amorim has received public support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the trust of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox. However, only results like this can dispel skepticism.
When asked about the Champions League target, Amorim refused to set a target: "I don't want to change the target, the team just needs to focus on the next match."
That is a modest but courageous answer. With this victory, Ruben Amorim won 2 consecutive matches in the Premier League for the first time. Like Maguire, Amorim knows very well the need to maintain this good streak continuously. Otherwise, all the praise at Anfield could disappear immediately if they lose to Brighton this weekend.
