Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each scored twice as Manchester United dismantled Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford, delivering a statement victory in Ruben Amorim’s first Premier League home game as manager. The win, a vast improvement on their 1-1 draw against Ipswich in Amorim’s debut last weekend, showcased a transformed United side brimming with attacking intent.
United opened the scoring in the 34th minute through Rashford, who was sharp throughout the match. The England forward fired a low strike that deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite and into the net after Bruno Fernandes picked him out with a clever corner routine.
Just seven minutes later, Zirkzee made his mark. Starting up front in his first Premier League game since September, the Dutch striker capitalized on Branthwaite’s turnover in Everton’s half. Fernandes, instrumental once again, provided the assist, setting up Zirkzee for a composed close-range finish that doubled United’s advantage.
Everton had begun the match with promise, as Beto missed two early chances that could have changed the game’s trajectory. However, the visitors’ defensive frailties were brutally exposed, and their troubles deepened immediately after the restart. Just 20 seconds into the second half, a lapse in concentration allowed Amad Diallo to seize the ball and slip a perfectly weighted pass to Rashford, who slotted home his second of the afternoon with clinical precision.
Diallo, who was outstanding throughout, created United’s fourth goal with more incisive play. After stealing possession from James Tarkowski, the winger surged forward before laying off a pass to Zirkzee, who calmly finished to complete the rout and ignite more celebrations among the Old Trafford faithful.
United’s efficiency in front of goal was remarkable, scoring four times from just five shots on target. The result lifts them to ninth in the Premier League table, a significant boost as Amorim begins to implement his vision for the team.
For Everton, the defeat extends their winless run in the league to five matches, and alarmingly, they have now failed to score in their last four outings. Sitting just two points above the relegation zone in 15th, Sean Dyche’s side faces mounting pressure to turn their fortunes around.
While United’s fans celebrated a resounding victory and a glimpse of what Amorim’s reign could bring, Everton’s supporters were left to ponder another dismal performance and their team’s worrying descent toward the relegation battle.
