Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their third goal with Amad Diallo. — Reuters
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim secured his first Premier League victory with a commanding 4-0 win over Everton. Amorim's impressive start continued as he extended his unbeaten run with United to three matches. The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at Ipswich in Amorim's first Premier League game, followed by a 3-2 victory against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League at Old Trafford. The 39-year-old, who joined from Sporting Lisbon to replace Erik ten Hag in November, had cautioned that United would face a challenging period before they could contend for the title. This result, however, marked a significant milestone in Amorim's tenure as United overcame a sluggish start to dominate Everton.
Prior to kick-off, United fans gathered at Old Trafford to protest the club's decision to raise ticket prices, displaying a banner that read 'Stop Exploiting Loyalty'. For United, currently in ninth place, to justify these price hikes, they need a winning team, and Amorim appears to be steering them in the right direction. Marcus Rashford scored the first goal under Amorim's reign within two minutes of the Ipswich match and netted again in the 34th minute against Everton. His shot from the edge of the area deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite before finding the net. United doubled their lead just seven minutes later, thanks to Amorim's choice to start Zirkzee instead of Hojlund. Branthwaite's error allowed Amad Diallo to intercept, and Bruno Fernandes set up Joshua Zirkzee for a straightforward finish.
The Dutch striker's second goal since joining from Bologna in the close season ended a 17-game scoring drought. Rashford further cemented United's dominance with a composed finish from Diallo's pass just 20 seconds into the second half, his seventh goal of the season. Zirkzee struck again in the 64th minute, capitalizing on Diallo's assist after Everton's defensive lapse. Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea extended their unbeaten streak to six games, while Villa's winless run reached eight matches. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed his team's title chances, but they seem capable of securing Champions League qualification, moving level with second-placed Arsenal after three consecutive wins.
Villa, currently 12th, have won just once in the Premier League since their memorable Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in October. Nicolas Jackson put Chelsea ahead after seven minutes, his eighth goal of the season. Villa's appeals for a foul by Cucurella on Philogene were ignored. Enzo Fernandez added to Villa's woes with a well-taken goal in the 36th minute. Cole Palmer secured Chelsea's victory with a fine finish in the 83rd minute. Tottenham's top-four aspirations were hindered by a 1-1 draw against 10-man Fulham. Brennan Johnson gave Tottenham the lead, but Tom Cairney equalized for Fulham. Cairney was later sent off after VAR upgraded his yellow card to a red.
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