Rashford and Zirkzee shine as Amorim secures 1st EPL win

Rúben Amorim marked his first Premier League home match as Manchester United manager with an emphatic 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee stole the show at Old Trafford, each scoring twice to give Amorim his first league win since taking over as head coach.

A bold starting lineup pays off

Amorim handed Zirkzee his first start since September, banking on the Dutch striker to lead the attack against Everton, who are languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table. This faith paid dividends as Zirkzee played a key role in a dominant performance. The win came just days after United’s 3-2 Europa League triumph over Bodø/Glimt, which followed a frustrating 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in Amorim's debut match. Despite positive reviews of the midweek performance, Amorim opted to make six changes to the starting lineup for Sunday’s clash. The refreshed United side began brightly, with Zirkzee creating an early chance for Amad Diallo, though the winger failed to connect cleanly. Everton responded with a dangerous moment of their own when Beto broke free, only to fire into the side netting.

Rashford and Zirkzee dominate the first half

United broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Rashford capitalized on a Bruno Fernandes corner, his shot deflecting off Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to find the back of the net. Seven minutes later, Zirkzee doubled the lead. Fernandes intercepted a misstep by Branthwaite, raced forward, and unselfishly set up Zirkzee, who calmly finished to score his first goal since mid-August.

Second-half brilliance

United continued their momentum immediately after the restart. Zirkzee turned provider, threading a well-timed pass to Diallo, who surged down the right flank before crossing to Rashford. The England international coolly slotted the ball beneath Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to make it 3-0. The final blow came midway through the second half when Zirkzee netted his second goal of the day. Pressing high up the field, Diallo won possession and set up Zirkzee, who curled a precise shot into the far corner, leaving Pickford helpless. The goal capped an afternoon to remember for the Dutch forward.

United’s largest league win in three years

The dominant 4-0 result marked Manchester United’s biggest Premier League victory in over three years, since their 5-1 win over Leeds United on the opening day of the 2021/22 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It also outshone the recent 3-0 victory over Leicester City during Ruud van Nistelrooij’s brief stint as interim manager and came close to matching the season-high 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the League Cup.

Building momentum

Amorim will hope this comprehensive victory serves as a turning point for United as they look to climb the Premier League table. With Rashford rediscovering his scoring touch and Zirkzee stepping up in attack, the Red Devils have shown a glimpse of their potential under their new manager. Up next for United is a Europa League clash with Bodø/Glimt, followed by another Premier League test against a struggling Everton side.