Manchester United claimed their first back-to-back Premier League victories under Rúben Amorim with a dramatic 2–1 win, but the manager insisted the real test lies ahead when Brighton visit Old Trafford next weekend.

“The win means a lot today, but tomorrow it won’t mean much,” Amorim said. “What matters is how we respond next time.”

It marked United’s most significant result of Amorim’s tenure, nearly a year after his appointment. The Portuguese coach had faced growing pressure following United’s shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby in August and a damaging defeat to Brentford last month.

However, consecutive league wins over Sunderland and fierce rivals Liverpool have lifted the Red Devils to ninth place — just two points off fourth-placed Liverpool.

“It was important for our fans,” Amorim added. “They’ve suffered through tough results against Grimsby and Brentford. Today they saw a different team. To win at the home of the champions and our biggest rivals is huge.”

Despite the victory, Amorim admitted his side’s performance left room for improvement.

Bryan Mbeumo stunned Anfield with a goal inside 61 seconds, but Bruno Fernandes nearly doubled United’s advantage when his effort struck the post. Liverpool pressed hard, with Cody Gakpo hitting the woodwork three times before finally equalising in the 78th minute.

Harry Maguire, who missed a decisive chance in January’s 2–2 draw at Anfield, redeemed himself by heading in Fernandes’s cross for the winner.

“It wasn’t our best footballing performance, but the spirit was fantastic — and that’s all I can ask,” Amorim said.

Slot frustrated by ‘negative set-piece balance’

Liverpool boss Arne Slot lamented his team’s profligacy and defensive lapses, as the defeat marked their fourth consecutive loss — their worst run since 2014.

Alexander Isak, yet to score since his £125 million move, was denied by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens before half-time. Mohamed Salah and Gakpo both squandered major chances in the second half, with the Dutchman heading wide late on.

“If you’d told me before the game we’d create eight, nine, maybe ten open chances, I’d have said that’s impossible,” Slot said. “But we only scored once. It’s almost impossible to win a big game with a negative set-piece balance — and we conceded another one today.”

The defeat leaves Liverpool four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.