sportskeeda
It appeared that JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S time at Manchester United might end before it really started.
Reports suggested that he showed up a stone overweight and was not favored by former manager Erik ten Hag, a scenario mirrored in his initial performances.
2
A goal on his debut against Fulham set high expectations, yet a 17-match goal drought followed with little influence.
During Sunday’s match, irritation grew with every single touch of the ball.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Dutch forward ignited, demonstrating why the Ineos team at United considered £36.5 million a smart investment.
He netted twice and made a superb turn and assist for Marcus Rashford’s second goal, placing him among the favorites for man of the match as Manchester United triumphed 4-0 over Everton, who are struggling with relegation.
Zirkzee shared his happiness after the match, stating: “Obviously, the longer it takes to score again, the more frustrating it becomes.
“But I have amazing teammates who always back me up when I’m not at my best.
“They genuinely supported me during that tough season, and they were truly happy for me.”
Zirkzee played in a front three with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, frequently dropping deeper to aid in build-up play.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
He didn’t come in as a typical number nine but as a player who also acts as a ten, relishing his involvement in the buildup.
He added: “I felt comfortable today in the role I was playing. Naturally, scoring is also a boost.”
Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – even before his first match
Rashford is evidently flourishing in the new 3-4-3 system introduced by Amorim.
Amorim pointed out that Rashford must show his commitment to reclaim the form that enabled him to score a career-high 30 goals two seasons ago, and on Sunday, he definitely looked motivated.
Clearly, he is enjoying the new tactics and ideas brought in by Amorim.
Rashford commented: “It’s refreshing and exciting to explore new methodologies.
“We firmly believe we can become much stronger in this formation, especially against teams unfamiliar with this system.
“It gives us an element of surprise, placing us in a favorable position. We can adjust our setup based on various opponents.”
2
The atmosphere at Old Trafford suggests that the fans appreciate the new path the club is pursuing under Amorim.
Rashford observed: “It’s exhilarating, and while I don’t want to jump ahead of myself, the energy is precisely what we want from Old Trafford.”
This victory marked United’s second consecutive win and their seventh goal in four days, following their 3-2 comeback against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League earlier in the week.
It seems the concerns about scoring have diminished with Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund each finding the net twice in their last two matches.
Rashford had also scored just 80 seconds into Amorim’s debut match—a 1-1 draw against Ipswich.
For Zirkzee, his comeback from earlier challenges this season under Ten Hag exemplifies the team’s resilience.
He remarked: “Hard times create strong individuals, and those individuals build connections. That’s what’s unfolding right now.
“The key is to keep our momentum going.”
However, an upcoming test looms larger than the match against Everton, as they are set to face second-place Arsenal on Wednesday night.
United will approach this match without Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, both of whom are suspended for the next game after receiving their fifth yellow cards of the season on Sunday.
Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee responds to critics in style… but one midfielder struggles
RUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League match at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 win over Everton.
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee hit back against recent criticisms by each scoring twice, helping the Red Devils secure their first Premier League victory by four or more goals since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.
Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence assessed the Red Devils…
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Called into action early on and displayed growing composure as the number one.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6
Quickly becoming a fan favorite, he continued to impress.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Initially challenged by a physical Beto but is starting to find his rhythm within a back three.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Once again, he appeared as the backbone of United’s defense.
AMAD DIALLO – 8
Morphing from ineffective to a major threat against defenders Branthwaite and Tarkowski.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
Paced through the match quietly and effectively, maintaining possession without issues.
CASEMIRO – 5
Seemed to struggle with pace in midfield but managed to cope.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Fitted well into his new forward role on the left and played solidly.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8
Spectacularly improved from prior outings, tripling his tally for United with two clinical goals.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 9
Ruben Amorim has been exceptionally supportive of him, and he’s responding magnificently.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Had a few wasteful moments early on but made a significant impact as the game progressed.
SUBSTITUTES
LUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5
Gradually regaining his form.
HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5
Seemed pleased to be playing.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5
Struggled for pace after coming off the bench.
MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5
Will be looking for more minutes in the next matches.
MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5
Displayed sharpness and energy.
