Ruben Amorim hit back at critics who claimed that he would be sacked sooner rather than later as the Portuguese manager sent out a fiery message after Manchester United's crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield. This was the first time since Amorim took charge at Old Trafford in November 2024 that United have won back-to-back Premier League matches.

United slowly regaining form after sloppy start

United had a forgetful outing in Amorim's debut campaign at Old Trafford last season, as the club finished 15th in the Premier League table and went trophyless after losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. The dismal performance prompted Amorim to make major changes in his squad as he primarily focused on strengthening in attack and accordingly brought in three big names for big money: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

However, despite the new additions and heavy spending, the Red Devils got off to a nightmare start in the 2025-26 campaign, as they had won just two out of their first six league matches and faced elimination from Carabao Cup after losing against fourth-tier side Grimsby Town in the second round.

But, United are now slowly regaining form and for the first time in the Amorim, the club registered back-to-back wins in the league. After beating Sunderland 2-0 just before the international break, they defeated rivals and reigning champions Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, also marking a win at the stadium for the first time in nine years.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim hits out at critics

At the start of the season, many naysayers had predicted that Amorim won't last at Old Trafford until Christmas due to the club's terrible performances week in and week out. However, after finally winning consecutive legue matches, the Portuguese coach has now hit back at his critics, as he sent out a defiant message.

Speaking to reporters after the Liverpool game, Amorim said: "It is really important. I don't have many wins in Manchester. It is really important back to back, every detail of this game, the spirit when we suffer a bad moment or control, all the small things was perfect.

"Let's try to do that next week. It is really important for our fans, they struggle against Grimsby and Brentford and today they saw a different team. I think it is not normal, it is hard to find something like this, so many bad moments and to have the fans always supporting the manager when every one of [the media] is saying he is gone before Christmas."

Amorim remained confident about keeping his job

Even during the difficult period at the start of the season, Amorim never stopped believing in his abilities and remained firm on his stance that he is here to stay, despite speculations over his future at Old Trafford.

After the club's terrible defeat against Brentford last month, the 40-year-old had said: "I am always comfortable with the job. I am not concerned, it is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy. I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal, but I'm always confident because I know what to do. I've always taken a lot of responsibility on your own shoulders.

"We can play better and we need to play better. It's like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is here. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum. I cannot tell you more than I say every time I lose the game. Sometimes you see one team that performs really well and you see improvements. And then sometimes you have some games that you don't see that improvement.

"That gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back. So it's always the same conversation. It depends on the next game. So let's try to win the next game and to improve certain things."

Getty Images SportFernandes backed Amorim amid criticism over tactics

Amorim has often been targeted in the past few months over his style of play, as many pundits believe that the current crop of United players do not fit into his 3-4-2-1 formation, and he has also been accused of being inflexible and stubborn with his ideas.

However, after the win over Liverpool, club captain Bruno Fernandes came to the manager's defence, telling Sky Sports: "Our shape always gives teams issues. It is a little bit ungrateful to talk about shape when we lose games and in the same way I am grateful to talk about it when we win. We always believe in the system, whether we win or lose, but it's about doing the right things in the right moments. We had moments we had to suffer and we did that in the game and the main thing is to do the same thing and believe what we prepare is what is going to give us the win."

United next face Brighton at home in the Premier League on Saturday as they look to extend their new-found winning streak to three games.