Rúben Amorim celebrated his first Premier League win as Manchester United manager in style, overseeing a commanding 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford. It was a result that not only extended Amorim’s unbeaten start to three matches across all competitions but also hinted at the beginnings of a transformation under his leadership.
Having replaced Erik ten Hag earlier in November, Amorim stepped into a role fraught with challenges. United were a team searching for identity, struggling for consistency, and burdened by frustrated supporters. Despite these obstacles, the Portuguese manager has already begun to instill a sense of direction, though he has been quick to temper expectations, warning fans that the journey back to contention will take time and patience.
Sunday’s performance against Everton was a refreshing display of tactical discipline and attacking flair. It built on a 1-1 draw at Ipswich in Amorim’s Premier League debut and an exhilarating 3-2 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt just days earlier. Against a struggling Everton side desperate for points, United delivered their most complete performance in months, offering fans a glimpse of what the future might hold.
Amorim’s Reds Shine Bright in 4-0 Everton Triumph
The game began with Everton attempting to frustrate United by sitting deep and absorbing pressure. But Marcus Rashford, in the form of his life, found the breakthrough in the 34th minute. His shot from the edge of the area took a fortunate deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite, wrong-footing Jordan Pickford and giving United the lead. Rashford’s ability to consistently impact games has been a lifeline for United this season, and under Amorim, he seems poised to become an even more pivotal figure.
Amad Diallo, starting in a more prominent role under Amorim’s guidance, then made his presence felt. Seven minutes after Rashford’s goal, Diallo pressed Branthwaite into an error, allowing Bruno Fernandes to slide a precise pass to Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker, who hadn’t scored in 17 matches since his summer move from Bologna, finished calmly, reigniting belief in his potential.
United came out of the dressing room after halftime with even greater intensity, and Rashford wasted no time adding his second goal of the match. Just 20 seconds after the restart, he latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Diallo, applying a composed finish that left Everton’s defense reeling. The fourth goal arrived in the 64th minute, with Diallo again at the heart of the action. His assist set up Zirkzee for his second of the day, capping a performance that showcased the young forward’s confidence and Amorim’s ability to get the best out of his players.
The result moved United closer to the top half of the table, a modest but meaningful step for a team still finding its footing. While ninth place is far from the lofty standards expected at Old Trafford, the performance against Everton was a reminder that progress is possible with the right approach and leadership.
Off the pitch, the frustrations of United supporters were palpable. Before the match, fans gathered outside Old Trafford to protest against rising ticket prices, displaying banners with slogans like “Stop Exploiting Loyalty.” It was a stark reminder of the growing disconnect between the club’s management and its loyal fanbase. Yet, on the pitch, Amorim’s team delivered a performance that temporarily lifted the gloom, giving supporters a reason to hope for better days ahead.
Amorim remained grounded in his post-match assessment. Speaking after the game, he praised his players but reiterated that the road to sustained success would be long and demanding. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do, and there will be difficult moments ahead. But today, I’m proud of the players and the way they responded. It’s important to build on this.”
With tougher fixtures looming, including a crucial Europa League clash and challenging league games against top-four rivals, United will need to carry this momentum forward. The win over Everton was a step in the right direction, but maintaining consistency will be key to rebuilding a team capable of competing at the highest level.
For now, the 4-0 victory stands as a symbol of what might be possible under Amorim’s guidance. Standout performances from Rashford, Diallo, and Zirkzee provided a glimpse of the potential within this squad, while Amorim’s tactical clarity and focus on attacking football offered hope for a brighter future. The challenges ahead are undeniable, but with Amorim at the helm, there is a growing sense that Manchester United may finally be on the path to rediscovering their identity.