Manchester United claimed three points for the first time in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim after a four-nil hammering over Everton at Old Trafford.
The Reds were eager for a win in the Premier League after life under Amorim began last Sunday in an unsatisfactory draw against Ipswich at Portman Road, followed by a difficult European encounter with Norwegian outlet Bodø/Glimt on Thursday.
Everton prrssure and Branthwaite Blunder
United started slowly, and Everton had a period of dominance between 10-30 minutes. However, we hung in there and the game changed just after the half-hour mark.
United were heavily linked with 22-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer to bolster the defense. Ironically, the defender was at fault for the opener, after Bruno Fernandes floated a corner kick to a lurking Marcus Rashford on the edge box. Rashford went for placement and the ball ricocheted off an outstretched Branthwaite and beyond Jordan Pickford to open the scoring after 34 minutes.
Just seven minutes later Branthwaite’s afternoon worsened when Amad Diallo’s press caught the defender out, allowing the winger to claim possession and find Fernandes, who squared it to Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman slotted it home to claim his first goal since the opener against Fulham.
Second half Dominance
Everton would have had plans to quickly get themselves back into the game after the restart, but it was United who had immediate response when Zirkzee’s eye-of-a-needle pass into Amad provided United with the opportunity to go further in front. Amad neatly picked out the run from Rashford, who made no mistake in drilling it past Pickford to claim his double. This goal maintained a trend of scoring early in the half, seen in each of Amorim’s games coming just 21 seconds after the restart.
Amad nicked the ball again, this time catching James Tarkowski on the ball, as Amad advanced in on goal a 2v1 opportunity developed and the Ivorian slid it to Zirkzee who tucked it away for his second of the afternoon.
Andre Onana was called into action late on when Sean Dyches’s side looked destined for a consolation goal, Tarkowski’s looping ball into the box found Dominic Calvert-Lewin who directed his headed effort on goal, but it was denied by the in-form keeper, the move ultimately claiming his sixth clean sheet of the campaign and a fourth win in a row at Old Trafford for Manchester United.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Andre Onana – 7 Commanded the box accordingly, clean sheet, great distribution and got down well to deny Calvert-Lewin late on.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6 Consistently good.
Matthijs De Ligt – 7 A much better game from De Ligt , looked comfortable.
Lisandro Martinez – 6 Solid performance from Licha
Amad Diallo – 9 & MOTM Ferocious performance. The work rate was unmatched was reasoning for 3 of the goals scored. Best player on the pitch. Amorim has got a player on his hands.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6 Great to see Mainoo get 80 minutes Solid performance.
Casemiro – 5 Average
Diogo Dalot – 5 Doesn’t seem to suit the left.
Bruno Fernandes – 8 Dangerous, very clever performance with two assists, Everton feared him.
Zirkzee – 8 Silencing the critics, the dutchman has come under fire recently for his performances and when given an opportunity to start – two goals is a great response.
Rashford – 8 Rashford was back to his best, two goals added to his tally. Hopefully Amorim can continue to get the best out of him.
Subs:
Luke Shaw – 5 – Solid cameo, looked very composed.
Harry Maguire – 5 Dealt with Everton well.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6 Promising showing from Garnacho.
Manuel Ugarte – 6 Brought on for energy and provided seems to be consistent in his performances.
Mason Mount – N/A
Looking forward
United will remain their focus on the Premier League as they take on Arsenal at The Emirates on Wednesday in the latest episode of this historical rivalry.
Arsenal showed great promise this weekend as they axed West Ham 5-2. The Gunners will have to overcome United to close the gap on Liverpool who at this stage are making great headway, now 9 points clear.
Arsenal are Undefeated at home in the last 12 fixtures. United will be looking to better their result in this tie last year when Arsenal completed the league double over them winning 2-1 at The Emirates and 1-0 at Old Trafford.