Ruben Amorim’s Old Trafford debut as Manchester United manager was nothing short of spectacular as his team dismantled Everton 4-0 on Sunday. Hungry for his first Premier League win, Amorim orchestrated a performance that showcased Manchester United’s offensive firepower and tactical precision. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each netted twice, with Zirkzee’s dazzling playmaking providing a glimpse of United’s bright future under Amorim.
The Manchester United wasted no time asserting their dominance, leveraging their home-ground advantage to maintain a relentless pace from kickoff. Despite Everton’s attempts to disrupt Manchester United’s rhythm with a high press, Amorim’s side demonstrated composure through sharp passing sequences. Early efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez hinted at Manchester United’s intent, while Everton’s Jesper Lindstrøm forced Andre Onana into a vital save in the opening exchanges.
A First-Half Statement: Rashford and Zirkzee Shine
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute, igniting Old Trafford as Rashford volleyed a deflected corner past Jordan Pickford. The goal was a testament to Bruno Fernandes’ vision and Rashford’s lethal finishing, giving Manchester United the confidence to push forward. Just before halftime, Zirkzee capitalized on a defensive error, hammering in Manchester United’s second goal following an assist from Fernandes.
Everton struggled to respond, with United’s defense—anchored by Martinez and De Ligt—neutralizing counterattacks. Amad Diallo’s energetic runs kept the visitors pinned back, ensuring the home side entered the break firmly in control. Amorim’s satisfaction was evident as his team walked off to a standing ovation.
Second-Half Dominance: Rashford and Zirkzee Double Up
Manchester United maintained their intensity after the restart, with Rashford scoring his second goal mere seconds into the half. A deft header from Casemiro set up Zirkzee, who threaded the ball to Amad, leading to Rashford’s clinical finish. The 3-0 scoreline highlighted Manchester United’s attacking cohesion and left Everton chasing shadows.
Zirkzee’s brilliance continued as he calmly slotted in Manchester United’s fourth goal in the 62nd minute, following another Amad interception. The Dutch forward’s composure and decision-making underscored his potential to be a key player under Amorim’s tenure. Manchester United’s substitutions, including the return of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, ensured stability and fresh energy in the closing stages.
A New Era Dawns at Manchester United
The resounding victory was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim. The players showcased a blend of tactical discipline, flair, and ruthlessness that bodes well for their Premier League campaign.
Although there were moments of concern, including bookings for Mainoo and Martinez that ruled them out of the Arsenal clash, the overall performance was overwhelmingly positive. With Amorim at the helm, United’s ambitions to reclaim domestic and European glory seem firmly on track.
The emphatic win sends a clear warning to rivals: Man Utd is back, and they mean business. As Old Trafford reverberated with chants of approval, Amorim’s era began with an unforgettable display of dominance and unity.
Starting XI: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee, Amad, Casemiro, Dalot, Mainoo
Substitutes: Maguire, Shaw, Ugarte, Garnacho, Mount. ::Everton team: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gana Gueye, Doucoure, Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye, Beto.
Man Utd vs Everton stats
Manchester United dominated 60 per cent of possession against Everton.
United registered 11 shots, five of which were on target at Old Trafford.
The Toffees, on the other hand, had eight shots, two of which were on target.
Amorim Reacts to Manchester United’s Victory
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Amorim acknowledged there is still room for improvement. “The result was good, but we were pragmatic. It wasn’t pretty, but we did our job, which is to win,” he stated.
“You can sense that we have a long way to go. In the first few minutes, we were okay, but then Everton controlled the game. We scored at the right moments, and that shifted the dynamic. However, you can’t just focus on the result; you have to consider how the result came about. As I said before the game, there is still much to work on, but it’s always better to improve while winning. Let’s focus on the performance rather than the result.”
Amorim further elaborated, “You can feel it during the game. Our performances are not consistent; it’s more of a rollercoaster. There are moments when we play well, but there are also times when we have to endure. We saw this again, just like in the Europa League. We need more time to train and improve, but it’s always better to work with victories.”