Manchester United’s new era under Rúben Amorim has started on a high note, but cracks remain beneath the surface. Sunday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford showcased the team’s potential but also hinted at a work-in-progress.
With back-to-back wins since taking the reins, Amorim remains unbeaten, yet his post-match comments suggest there’s plenty to be done.
On paper, a 4-0 victory against a struggling Everton side seems like a perfect outcome. Rashford and Zirkzee both bagged braces, securing Amorim the biggest margin of victory for a permanent Manchester United manager in their first Premier League home game.
However, the underlying stats reveal a less flattering picture. Despite the scoreline, United managed an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.73 from 11 attempts. For context, Everton’s xG of 0.65 from eight shots wasn’t far behind. This suggests that while United capitalized on their chances, their overall play lacked creativity and control.
Amorim himself didn’t shy away from this reality. “The result was good, but it was not pretty,” he said. “It’s better to work with victories, but we need to focus on the performance, not just the result.”
One of Amorim’s key observations was the inconsistency in United’s play. He likened their performance to a “rollercoaster,” where moments of brilliance were interspersed with periods of vulnerability.
In the opening minutes, Everton controlled the game, exploiting United’s lack of composure. However, the Red Devils found their footing and scored at critical moments, ultimately tilting the match in their favor.
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This pattern isn’t new. Similar issues were evident in their recent Europa League outing, where United had to dig deep to secure a result. Amorim has emphasized the need for more training time to iron out these inconsistencies. His message is clear: results are important, but building a cohesive, dominant team is the ultimate goal.
While the overall performance may have been a mixed bag, the contributions of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee were undeniable. Rashford, who has faced criticism for inconsistency this season, was back to his clinical best, delivering two goals that showcased his finishing ability and attacking instincts.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, is proving to be a revelation under Amorim. His brace not only demonstrated his knack for being in the right place at the right time but also highlighted his growing confidence in front of goal. If this partnership continues to blossom, it could become a lethal force for United in the weeks to come.
For Everton, the defeat extended a worrying run of form. Sean Dyche’s side has now gone four Premier League games without scoring—a streak that hasn’t been seen since 2005. Defensive errors compounded their misery at Old Trafford, as individual mistakes led to three quick goals that effectively ended the contest.
Dyche lamented the lack of concentration from his players, calling it a “difficult task” to compete when such glaring mistakes occur. With a crucial clash against Wolves looming, Everton must quickly regroup to avoid sinking further into the relegation battle.
Everton’s Crisis: A Test for Dyche
As for Everton, their struggles are becoming increasingly concerning. With only 13 points from 14 games, they sit precariously close to the relegation zone. Dyche’s frustration is palpable, as he battles to break the cycle of inconsistency that has plagued the club for years.
The upcoming fixture against Wolves is a must-win. Dyche needs his players to cut out the mistakes and rediscover their attacking edge. Failure to do so could spell further trouble for a club already teetering on the brink.
The Verdict
Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United may be unbeaten under his leadership, but the journey to success is far from smooth. The 4-0 win over Everton was a step in the right direction, yet it also exposed areas for improvement. Amorim’s focus on the process rather than the result is a refreshing approach, and it’s one that could pay dividends in the long run.
For Everton, the defeat serves as another chapter in a frustrating season. With their next match offering a chance for redemption, Dyche and his squad face a defining moment.
As the Premier League season heats up, both teams will be under the spotlight. For United, the question is whether they can turn potential into consistency. For Everton, it’s whether they can stop the rot before it’s too late.
