Manchester United are still settling into their new leader’s style, as Ruben Amorim hosted a Premier League game at Old Trafford for the first time since his arrival to the club. After the draw with Ipswich last weekend, he had the midweek boost as his side navigated a tricky comeback in the Europa League, and was rewarded with a league meeting against an Everton side who have been fairly out of form and lacking in terms of scoring. This opponent along with the support of the home crowd for the first time in the league, meant Amorim could continue to learn about his side and players in this feeling of a preseason/trial that has been going on since he arrived, but with a feeling of confidence that his side could take all 3 points.

The game itself was a little bit sloppy at first from United, allowing Everton a fair bit of the ball, and misplacing a few key passes, however once Rashford got United ahead in the 34th minute, they continued to capitalise on the Everton mistakes which allowed Zirkzee to also get in on the action, and in the second half both scorers added a second to give United a dominant 4-0 victory and claim their first win by 4 goals in the league for the first time since before the Ten Hag era even began.

The result moves United into the top half of the table with midweek action and a tricky test to come against Arsenal, while the current early stage of the season also means United are just 4 points off the top 4 positions. With Amorim remaining undefeated in his opening 3 games, United will head to the Emirates full of confidence. Meanwhile for Everton, the loss leaves them just 2 points above the relegation zone in 15th, and with a tough meeting with Wolves to come midweek, it could become a 6 pointer meeting between those two sides.

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Teams

United went with their expected 3-4-3 once again which saw a back 3 of Martinez, De Ligt and Mazraoui which is possibly the best available options that are fit and available, with possibly Leny Yoro to come in once back fit to fill in the right centre back role. The wing backs of Dalot and Amad have worked well so far, and with Shaw back in contention we may see him utilised on the left side when up for more regular appearances. The midfield saw Casemiro partner the returning Mainoo who has been missed since Amorim arrived through injury, but played 80 minutes to suggest his fitness is up to scratch. The 2 10’s that were utilised saw Fernandes and Rashford being used, which worked well however I still personally like to see Fernandes given a deeper role to be more involved in certain games, while this gave Zirkzee a much needed start through the middle which resulted in a confidence boosting brace that he will hope to use as a platform to build a real career at Old Trafford.

Overall the setup was another system we expect now to see used by Amorim throughout his time in charge, and the changes saw him giving minutes and starts to those who perhaps have something to prove still at this stage. Given that we are seeing some players consistently in their roles now, the changing in the forward line shows us that Amorim is using possibly the remainder of this calendar year to weigh up who has what it takes to remain in their role, and who should be perhaps looked at for replacement in likely the summer transfer window.

For Everton their attacking questions were a focus once again as they search for the recognised scorer, with Beto being given the start up front. Meanwhile, we saw former United captain Young start against his former side, and a centre back pairing of former/current United transfer targets in James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, De Ligt (Maguire 56′), Mazraoui (Shaw 56′), Dalot, Casemiro (Ugarte 66′), Mainoo (Mount 80′), Amad, Fernandes (Garnacho 66′), Rashford, Zirkzee

Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Antony, Hojlund

Everton: Pickford, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski (O’Brien 82′), Young (Patterson 73′), Gueye (Mangala 67′), Doucoure, Ndiaye, McNeil, Lindstrom (Harrison 67′), Beto (Calvert-Lewin 67′)

Subs: Begovic, Virginia, Coleman, Armstrong

Manchester United 4-0 Everton

Manchester United delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, marking head coach Ruben Amorim’s first Premier League win. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both netted braces to underscore United’s dominance. Rashford opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a deflected volley from a Bruno Fernandes corner, and doubled his tally just 20 seconds into the second half with a slick finish past Jordan Pickford. Zirkzee then added two of his own, his first goal arriving just before half-time after Amad Diallo’s high press forced the turnover, and the second in the 64th minute, again set up by Diallo counter‑pressing effectively.

The performance was typified by United’s intensity and tactical cohesion. Wearing Amorim’s new 3‑4‑3 formation, the home side pressed Everton relentlessly, regaining possession in key areas and converting pressure into goals. Amad Diallo, starting on the flank, provided the assists for all four goals by harrying defenders and initiating the attacking moves, a display hailed by Sky Sports as “excellent… pouncing on slack from Everton to set up both assists”. Everton, meanwhile, mustered only a couple of half chances, with Beto’s header crashing against the post early on, and Jordan Pickford making a rare save to deny Dominic Calvert‑Lewin late in the game.

The emphatic win lifted United to ninth in the table on 19 points after 13 matches, while Everton remained 15th, just two points above the relegation zone. It was United’s largest league victory since a 5–1 demolition of Leeds in 2021. Post-match, Amorim praised the squad’s work ethic and highlighted the importance of continued development, particularly from Rashford, Zirkzee and Diallo. The clean sheet and four-goal haul provided a significant boost ahead of their midweek clash with Arsenal.

Talking Points

Manchester United delivered one of their most cohesive performances of the season with a thumping 4–0 win over Everton at Old Trafford, marking a statement result in Ruben Amorim’s first home Premier League match. The hosts were dominant from the outset, suffocating Everton with an intense high press and slick attacking movement. Marcus Rashford set the tone with a deflected opener in the 34th minute before doubling his tally just seconds after the restart. Joshua Zirkzee added a brace of his own, with goals either side of half-time, as United’s attacking unit clicked with devastating effect.

Crucially, this was a performance where the goals and the credit were shared. Rashford and Zirkzee may have taken the headlines, but Amad Diallo was arguably the standout performer. The Ivorian winger, handed a starting role by Amorim, assisted all four goals with a blend of energy, pressing intelligence, and pinpoint final passes. Bruno Fernandes orchestrated the midfield with typical precision, while Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo offered balance and control in transition. The team’s structure, particularly in Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 shape, appeared far more settled than in recent outings.

Still, bigger challenges await. United’s emphatic win lifted them into the top half of the table, but consistency will be key if Amorim is to steer them back into European contention. With Arsenal visiting in midweek and a congested December schedule looming, this performance offers encouragement but no guarantees. Yet if this ruthless attacking display is a sign of things to come under Amorim, United may finally be starting to turn the corner in what has been an otherwise erratic campaign.