“Ruben Amorim, Ruben Amorim, nananaanananaaa” echoed the ecstatic Manchester United supporters after Joshua Zirkzee’s second goal. This chant, set to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band’s Give It Up, encapsulated the final act of the new manager’s players: failing to pursue any lost cause in the hope of striking gold. It was Zirkzee who scored United’s fourth goal. From deep within his own area, Luke Shaw headed the ball out. It fell to Amad Diallo, who rolled it along the right wing into space. Marcus Rashford charged forward but failed to connect. When the ball was passed back to James Tarkowski, Diallo was there to harry. Everton’s captain hesitated, and the right wingback seized possession, sprinted ahead, squared the ball to United’s center-forward, who slammed it home.
Before the match, Amorim explained why, after joining with 11 Premier League games already played, United immediately adopted his 3-4-3 formation. “That would only delay our problems,” he said, implying that any short-term suffering would pave the way for future success. On Sunday, there was only joy. Rashford scored twice, and though United were not flawless, Amorim’s team was energetic and fully committed to their new manager’s demands.
The best coaches consistently enhance their players, and Zirkzee could become the prime example of Amorim’s acumen if he continues to perform at this level. The Dutchman’s early United career had been questioned, but his display on Sunday showcased his technical skills and bravery, despite knowing a tackle was imminent. If Amorim’s first three games have solidified his role on the field, the fan protest against the club’s ticket price hike—to a minimum of £66 for both child and adult tickets—mirrors the ongoing subplots of the United saga. Held before kickoff at the Trinity statue, supporters directed their anger at Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is responsible for the steep increase, with junior admission previously at £25. They chanted for the minority owner to “sell United and fuck off home” and demanded “we want our club back.” This was in stark contrast to the affection shown towards Amorim as he orchestrated a series of chances from start to finish.
Kobbie Mainoo, one of six changes, took a shot at Pickford. Zirkzee, also starting for the first time under Amorim, executed a sharp move and passed the ball wide. Suddenly, United were near the Everton area, demonstrating how Amorim-ball is designed to attack. Everton were stifled in the middle third as red shirts crowded around, stole the ball, and launched another assault. This pattern repeated when Bruno Fernandes received the ball on the left and struck a pass with the outside of his right boot. Rashford ran in but failed to chip the onrushing Pickford.
Matthijs de Ligt also failed to stop the speedy Beto as he received Dwight McNeil’s threaded pass. The center-back continued, making himself a nuisance as the No 9 tried to round his goalkeeper, Andre Onana, and United escaped. Everton did not when Fernandes swung in a corner. A training ground routine saw the ball floated to an in-jogging Rashford, whose half-volley appeared goalbound before Jarrad Branthwaite deflected it past Pickford. Zirkzee’s second goal for the club was a result of what might be called the “Amorim press”—Branthwaite, again, the victim. This time he hesitated, Diallo rushed him, stole the ball, and Fernandes took over, entering Everton’s area and feeding Zirkzee, who surged forward to smash a left-footed finish.
The same urgency was evident in United’s third goal in the second half. The ball was played to Pickford, who hoofed it upfield, and Amorim’s men took control. Zirkzee collected and swiveled, passing to Diallo, who burned forward and fed the overlapping Rashford: an instant hit beat Pickford, marking Rashford’s first double in United colors since February 2023. Later, Fernandes, one of Amorim’s five substitutions, sat with an ice pack on his left foot. A concern for the captain and United, but the broader picture is that this was a significant day for the Amorim project: a dominant victory in the 39-year-old’s first home league outing.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
