Marcus Rashford scored for the third time in two Premier League games as part of a brace and surprise starter Joshua Zirkzee also struck as Manchester United took a 3-0 lead in their first home league game under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Striker Rashford, who returned to United’s starting line-up after coming off the bench during Thursday’s 3-2 home win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, scored when a routine set-piece caught the visitors by surprise.
Bruno Fernandes sent a corner from the left to the former England international from outside the penalty area, firing in a fine first-time shot that deflected off Jared Brathwaite into the back of the net in the 34th minute.
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Man United vs Everton: Zirkzee scores
Rasmus Hojlund was United’s winner against the Norwegian side three days earlier, ensuring they recovered from 2-1 down with impressive finishes either side of half-time.
The Denmark international started on the bench against Everton, replaced by £36.5m summer signing Zirkzee in attack.
Dutch striker Zirkzee took advantage of United’s effective press inside the Everton area to double their advantage four minutes before the break, tapping home Fernandes’ cross.
“If the manager looked frustrated before, he shouldn’t be now,” former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger Pat Nevin said of Amorim, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“That’s a move on the training ground and when it comes out, you’re happy with it. Finally, Manchester United shows a decent finish. It’s a different look to United now and it all came from that first goal. They’re cruising.”
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 1, 2024
Rashford Premier League goals
The second half had barely begun when Rashford added his second, setting up Amad Diallo who released the 27-year-old inside the penalty area on the right.
Rashford had found the net earlier in Amorim’s first Premier League match a week earlier, scoring in the second minute against Ipswich at Portman Road.
Ipswich earned a 1-1 draw with Omari Hutchinson’s equalizer two minutes before half-time, but the task looks much tougher for an Everton side with two wins from their opening 12 league games.
Sean Dyche’s side had reason to be encouraged before Rashford made the breakthrough, going closest when striker Beto broke clear inside the penalty area and fired into the side-netting from a tight angle.
Victory could lift United to ninth – four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City – while defeat would leave Everton two points above the relegation zone.
