Ruben Amorim marked his first Premier League victory as the head coach of Manchester United with a spectacular 4-0 thrashing of Everton on a crisp December afternoon at Old Trafford. The match showcased not only the potential of his squad but also the excitement and optimism sweeping the club after several rocky weeks.
Under the guidance of the Portuguese manager, United entered the match buoyed by their recent 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt which followed Amorim's initial game where they only managed a draw against Ipswich Town. With six changes to the lineup, the Red Devils cut loose against the struggling Toffees, earning their second consecutive win and lifting themselves up to ninth place on the Premier League table, just four points adrift of the coveted fourth spot.
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each scored twice, marking significant moments of triumph for both players. Rashford opened the scoring with a deflected strike shortly before halftime, capitalizing on some shoddy defending from Everton. Following the break, he netted again just 20 seconds after the resumption, giving United complete control of the match.
Zirkzee, who had faced scrutiny for his early-season performance, delivered as well by finding the net twice — his first goals since the season opener. His confidence seemed to surge with each shot he took, particularly on the second goal where he was assisted adequately by Amad Diallo, another player who shone brightly throughout the match.
Chants of “Ruben Amorim’s red and white army” echoed through the stands, contrasting sharply with the earlier parts of the season when the atmosphere had grown bitter and frustrations boiled over with fans booing the team during disappointing performances.
After the last manager, Erik ten Hag, was dismissed following dismal results, including defeats to clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham, many wondered whether Amorim could restore the club’s ambition and competitiveness. The initial signs are promising; with his innovative 3-5-2 formation, there was evidence of the tactical solidity and attacking verve which had defined his earlier successes at Sporting Lisbon. Amorim himself took a sensible and diplomatic tone after the win, acknowledging the work still required to build consistency.
“It’s hard for me. If I say no, you will say I cannot be a Manchester United coach,” he stated, carefully avoiding placing undue expectations upon his players. He emphasized the need to focus on performances rather than precise outcomes, indicating his willingness to shape the team’s culture gradually. “We have to focus just on the next game,” he added.
Despite the recent successes, Rashford and his teammates maintained caution. “It’s nothing to get overly excited by. We have to continue pushing every day,” he told the media, illustrating the team’s awareness of the road ahead. Rashford's resurgence under Amorim’s reign is notable, bringing back memories of his prolific past. He previously hit the 30-goal mark during a standout season two years ago and is showing signs of returning to form with three goals across his last three performances.
The stage is now set as United prepare for tougher tests, including high-stakes encounters against formidable opponents like Arsenal and Manchester City. The focus will shift back to the training ground, where Amorim wants to bolster team cohesion and instill his game philosophy more firmly.
Among fan concerns, there was also significant discontent over recent ticket price hikes, which had sparked protests outside the stadium days before the match. The cost to watch the team play rose to £66 from previous levels of £40 for adults and £25 for children, stirring frustrations among the loyal supporter base. Yet, with performances like the one against Everton, the question remains – will this translate to increased ticket sales and support for the club?
Now, as Amorim contemplates the challenges of the busy December fixture list, the belief among fans is slowly returning. The powerful display against Everton is but the latest chapter of Manchester United's quest to reclaim their spot among elite clubs. And as the players and manager alike reflect on this momentous victory, one thing is clear: there's potential, and the atmosphere at Old Trafford hints at brighter days ahead.
