In a triumphant display, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each netted two goals as Manchester United secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Everton in Ruben Amorim’s inaugural Premier League home match. Rashford set the tone by scoring the first goal just before halftime, capitalizing on a corner taken by Bruno Fernandes, whose pinpoint delivery found Rashford just inside the box. The forward executed a half-volley that sailed past Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, to give United a lead. The home side’s attacking prowess continued to shine when Amad Diallo pressured Jarrad Branthwaite, causing a turnover that allowed Fernandes to assist Zirkzee for a second goal just moments before the break. This marked a spectacular start to Amorim’s managerial stint, especially following a disappointing opening draw against Ipswich Town.
The second half resumed, and Rashford wasted no time in adding to the scoreline, finding the net just 20 seconds into play. After receiving a well-placed pass from Diallo, Rashford struck from close range, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. As the match progressed, Diallo played a crucial role again, dispossessing James Tarkowski and driving into the box before laying it off to Zirkzee, who calmly slotted home his second goal, rounding off United’s impressive performance. Amorim’s first win in charge saw Manchester United climb to ninth place in the table, while Everton lingered precariously in 15th position, just above the relegation zone, failing to score for the fourth consecutive match.
Everton’s struggles continued as they looked lackluster in attack, barring a solitary decent chance in the first half when Beto managed to round United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana but ultimately shot wide. With just two points separating them from the relegation zone, Sean Dyche’s side now faces a tough schedule ahead, including upcoming fixtures against teams like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. The ongoing winless streak—now at five league matches—adds to the pressure, making their next matches critical for survival in the top league.
Amorim, in stark contrast, is finding optimism at Old Trafford, especially in how he has revitalized the team’s attacking dynamics. United’s 4-0 triumph marked the first time they had won a Premier League match by four or more goals since August 2021, a feat that had eluded them under the previous management of Erik ten Hag. Rashford and Zirkzee have both stepped up their performance under Amorim, having already registered more league goals in just a few matches than they did earlier in the season. The new boss’s tactical adjustments, including the introduction of a back-three formation, have significantly alleviated the defensive responsibilities of players like Rashford, allowing them to thrive in more attacking positions.
Among the standout performances, Amad Diallo was particularly impressive, earning the Player of the Match accolade. The young winger has quickly established himself as a key player under Amorim, effectively occupying the right wing-back role and demonstrating versatility by contributing both defensively and offensively. Diallo’s contributions were integral to three of United’s goals that afternoon, showcasing his blend of skill, pace, and intelligent decision-making—factors that have turned United’s fortunes around since Amorim’s appointment.
As the match concluded, player ratings reflected United’s dominant display, with many players earning high marks, particularly Diallo, who received a commendable 9 out of 10. Other key performers like Rashford, Zirkzee, and Fernandes also received praise, whereas Everton’s squad struggled to make an impact, with several players receiving lower ratings for their lackluster performance. Key moments in the match underscored United’s dominance, including the four goals that highlighted their attacking efficiency. This victory not only boosts United’s morale but also sets a positive tone for Amorim’s campaign as he prepares the side for a crucial clash against Arsenal in the next round of fixtures.
