Rashford and Zirkzee star for Man Utd: Has Amorim found winning formula?

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 1 Dec 2024 09:40 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are slowly getting a glimpse of what Ruben Amorim can bring to the club after their attacking stars ran riot against Everton in their new manager’s first Premier League home game.

Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee netted twice, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo also grabbing two assists each, as United systematically demolished Everton for their biggest win in the Premier League this season.

United never looked out of control and had fans ‘Ole’ing every pass with 15 minutes remaining – a stark difference from a week previously when they drew to Ipswich in Amorim’s debut match.

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In particular, United’s front line looked in sync, interchangeably swapping positions and finding ample space due to their constant high pressing and movement.

However, the biggest delight will come from the return to form of Rashford, who netted his third goal in as many games under Amorim – more than he had scored in his previous 12 games.

With Zirkzee also ending a 17-match goal drought and scoring for the first time since his debut, while it is early days, it appears that Amorim is finally getting the best out of United’s stuttering strikers.

Lesson learned or same old United?

There will naturally be some apprehension towards whether ‘United are back’, particularly after seeing a return to form many times once there had been a change of manager.

Rashford, in particular, had been guilty of starting life under a new coach in prolific fashion only to fizzle out once the momentum had slowed down.

Indeed, Amorim will be judged, not on his ability to beat teams at the bottom of the league in his third match in charge, but rather on if United can maintain consistency in these types of fixtures across the season.

With a number of stars returning to form and fitness, the stage is set for Amorim to stamp his authority and playstyle on United.

However, the true test of his ability will come on the performances of Rashford and Zirkzee, as well as the likes of Fernandes, Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho.

United’s stars will be determined to prove this is not just another flash in the pan under a new manager bounce and that a corner has truly been turned – for good.