Marcus Rashford scored for a third time in two Premier League matches as part of a double and surprise starter Joshua Zirkzee also struck as Manchester United established a 3-0 lead in their first home league game under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Forward Rashford, who was restored to United’s line-up following a cameo from the bench during their 3-2 home win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday, netted when a set-piece routine caught the visitors by surprise.
Bruno Fernandes sent a corner from the left to the former England international outside the penalty area, firing in a fine first-time shot that took a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite on its way to the back of the net in the 34th minute.
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
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Man United vs Everton: Zirkzee scores
Rasmus Hojlund was United’s matchwinner against the Norwegian side three days earlier, ensuring they recovered from 2-1 behind with impressive finishes either side of half-time.
The Denmark international started on the bench against Everton, replaced by £36.5 million summer signing Zirkzee in attack.
Netherlands forward Zirkzee capitalised on United’s effective press inside Everton territory to double their advantage four minutes before the break, slamming in from Fernandes’ cross.
“If the manager was looking disappointed before, he shouldn’t be now,” former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger Pat Nevin said of Amorim, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“That’s a training ground move and when that comes off, you are delighted with it. Finally, Manchester United are showing some decent finishing. It’s a different-look United now and it has all come from that first goal. They are cruising.”
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Rashford Premier League goals
The second half had barely started when Rashford added his second, slotting in after Amad Diallo released the 27-year-old inside the penalty area on the right.
Rashford had found the net a little earlier in Amorim’s first Premier League game a week earlier, scoring in the second minute against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Ipswich earned a 1-1 draw through Omari Hutchinson’s equaliser two minutes before half-time but the task looks considerably tougher for an Everton side with two wins from their first 12 league games.
Sean Dyche’s team had cause for encouragement before Rashford made the breakthrough, going closest when striker Beto broke clear inside the penalty area and shot against the side netting from a tight angle.
Victory could lift United as high as ninth – four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City – while defeat would leave Everton two points above the relegation zone.
