Rashford and Zirkzee Shine as Amorim’s Manchester United Era Gains Momentum
Manchester, England – Marcus Rashford has a knack for making a splash when a new manager takes the reins at Manchester United. Whether it was Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, or now Ruben Amorim, Rashford has consistently delivered in those early moments. Sunday’s 4-0 demolition of Everton was no exception, as Rashford netted twice, bringing his tally to three goals in two starts under Amorim’s leadership.
“A new coach is always like that,” Amorim said after the match. “But there is so much to improve. He can do so much better. We all have to improve. But it was a great job from the players.”
Rashford’s situation at United is unique. While many of his teammates are fighting to prove their worth in Amorim’s system, Rashford’s lucrative contract—worth over £300,000-a-week through 2028—essentially guarantees his future at Old Trafford. That said, the responsibility isn’t just on Rashford to adapt; Amorim also has to ensure his system brings out the best in the England international.
Rashford’s Role in Amorim’s Tactical Setup
In Amorim’s debut match against Ipswich Town, Rashford was deployed as the central striker. He was rested for the midweek Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt but returned to the starting XI against Everton, this time as one of two inside forwards. His first goal against Everton came with a bit of luck, as his shot deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite and past Jordan Pickford. But his second goal was classic Rashford—direct, dynamic, and clinical.
“We all, as individuals, want to get back to our best and then push to improve so even in the bad moments you are doing the right thing,” Rashford said. “The connection is going to build and grow the more we get used to him. He [Amorim] has come in in a busy period and hopefully the connection keeps building and growing. He’s come in with a great attitude and it’s passed onto the players.”
Joshua Zirkzee: A Star in the Making?
While Rashford’s performances are expected, Joshua Zirkzee’s resurgence is a more surprising storyline. The Dutch forward also scored twice against Everton, breaking an 11-game goalless streak. These were his first goals for United since his debut strike against Fulham in August. It’s been a challenging few months for Zirkzee, with questions surrounding his summer move from Bologna and rumors of a potential return to Italy in January.
Zirkzee struggled to grasp Amorim’s tactical demands in the Ipswich game, so his inclusion in the starting lineup against Everton raised some eyebrows. But Amorim’s faith was rewarded. Zirkzee’s first goal came courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ unselfish assist, while his second was set up by Amad, who impressed in an unfamiliar wing-back role.
“I need all the players to cope with all the games, and he [Zirkzee] is one of them,” Amorim said. “I just try to help my players and put them in a good position for their characteristics. Josh did a great job. He scored two goals, and that’s always important for the confidence. More important than the performance is that he fought in every situation. So it was a good day for him and for our team.”
Key Contributors Beyond the Goals
While Rashford and Zirkzee grabbed the headlines, the contributions of Bruno Fernandes and Amad were equally vital. Fernandes’ creativity and Amad’s relentless pressing were instrumental in United’s biggest league win since a 5-1 victory over Leeds United in August 2021 under Solskjaer.
Amorim, however, remains cautious. He has warned fans that the early weeks of his tenure will involve plenty of “suffering,” and there were moments of that against Everton. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Everton were the better side for much of the first half and could have taken the lead before Rashford’s opener.
“In the first 32 minutes, I thought we looked a good outfit, we looked progressive,” Everton manager Sean Dyche said. “We played well and opened them up. One mistake led to another mistake, and before you know it, you’re 2-0 down. We didn’t capitalize on moments. Fair play to them for capitalizing on our mistakes.”
Amorim acknowledged Everton’s strong start, saying, “I thought Everton deserved more.” But with two wins and a draw in his first three games, the Portuguese manager is beginning to build momentum. His next challenge is a daunting one: a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal on Wednesday. A win there could send excitement levels at Old Trafford through the roof.
Takeaways from United’s Performance
- Rashford’s Form: Three goals in two starts under Amorim show he’s thriving in the new system.
- Zirkzee’s Breakthrough: Ending his goal drought could be the confidence boost he needs.
- Team Effort: Fernandes and Amad’s contributions highlight the depth of quality in the squad.
- Challenges Ahead: Amorim’s first major test comes against Arsenal midweek.
As Amorim continues to implement his vision, Manchester United fans have reason to be cautiously optimistic. The early signs suggest that this could be the start of something special at Old Trafford.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
