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Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday as Ruben Amorim picked up his first Premier League win since taking charge.
A brace apiece from Joshua Zirkzee, starting for the first time under the new coach, and Marcus Rashford ensured the win with the Red Devils now in the top half of the table in ninth.
It was the start of the second half, with the hosts already two goals to the good, as both United and the Toffees were coming on that truly showed what the 39-year-old tactician wants from his side.
The players all lined up to complete a running drill before taking their place while the visitors just sauntered onto the Old Trafford pitch.
Intensity as demanded
They have been repeating this practice since the former Sporting Lisbon boss took charge. And it was no coincidence that the team started faster off the blocks and scored their third, Marcus Rashford’s second, after only 20 seconds.
United have now enjoyed fast starts in all three games under Amorim, something that the team is clearly working on. The Red Devils are winning balls higher up the pitch, forcing mistakes from the opposition in both of their last games.
When the Portuguese first arrived, he had demanded intensity from the players and had spoken about an idea that would start forming within the first few games.
The Mancunian, not known for his pressing, was seen chasing his man after the score was already 4-0. The head coach will have been pleased.
Amad Diallo, unfairly overlooked by former manager Erik ten Hag, seems to have made this right wingback role his own, pressing relentlessly and working magic with his left foot.
He grabbed two assists and was the star of the match. The team was struggling to score goals under the former manager, but they have now scored four goals in a single Premier League game.
Amorim has had to face questions about the team’s attack and the lack of goals for the forwards. He has since started working with different coaches for the different positions and that is paying dividends.
Goals flowing
In the three games since taking charge, Rashford has three goals, while both Rasmus Hojlund and now, Joshua Zirkzee have two apiece.
Doubts were raised about the Dutch striker’s ability to thrive amidst the pressure cooker environment in Manchester but on Sunday, he truly answered his critics.
Their work on set-pieces is also paying dividends with the new set of coaches enjoying the opening goal of the game on the sidelines.
Amorim has requested for time but also promised that the players would win that time with victories. And with back-to-back wins, they are building a nice head of steam ahead of a huge test against Arsenal.
We are seeing Amorim’s idea take shape.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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