Both forwards netted twice at Old Trafford to show they might still have futures with the Red Devils
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee showed they have plenty to offer new Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim as they each scored twice each in a 4-0 win against Everton on Sunday. The forwards have been under fire for worrying performances of late, but Zirkzee's composed finishes and Rashford's apparent revitalisation will have delighted Amorim as he picked up his first Premier League win.
The Portuguese coach will have some complaints about his team's slow and at times worrying start, as Everton managed to poke through their defence, only to fall apart in the final third. The game needed a lucky break to open it up, and it came in the 34th minute when Bruno Fernandes' corner was met by Rashford on the edge of the box, whose shot was deflected in by Jarrad Branthwaite.
Red Devils transfer target Branthwaite had a fantastic start to the game, but his audition in front of Amorim quickly turned into a disaster when Amad Diallo caught him in possession and found Fernandes to square for Zirkzee to fire in his second goal of the season.
United had the game dead and buried 22 seconds into the second half. Everton's kick-off made it all the way back to Jordan Pickford, whose punt up field was won by United and a quick burst forward ended with Amad feeding Rashford through to poke it into the net. The England international has now scored in both of Amorim's league matches in charge and struck twice in the same Premier League match for the first time since February 2023.
The home side didn't stop there, though. Amad was crucial once again in driving into Everton's half, and it was he who won the ball back and made his way into the box before squaring for a simple Zirkzee finish.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
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Andre Onana (6/10):
Reacted well when he needed to with a couple of strong saves to preserve a clean sheet.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Put in a good defensive display and used the ball well.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
Made some crucial stops and his distribution was sound.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10):
His quick reactions cut out a few promising Everton attacks in a solid display. Did pick up a costly booking that rules him out Wednesday's trip to Arsenal.
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Amad Diallo (8/10):
A lively threat who was key to United's pressing game, and timed his passes perfectly for both assists.
Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):
Sensible with his passes and looked comfortable in midfield in his first game since early-October. Also suspended for the Arsenal game after being yellow carded.
Casemiro (6/10):
Made some important tackles but gave away a lot of space and his passing was poor.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Got up and down the left side, but still had some shaky moments.
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Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
Smart passes and dangerous deliveries saw him nab two assists.
Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):
Just couldn't keep hold of the ball in open play, but got into the right place to score much-needed goals.
Marcus Rashford (8/10):
Was challenged to "want it" by Amorim in midweek and showed that he's fired up. Lucky with his first goal but the run and finish for his second were class.
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Harry Maguire (6/10):
Still allowed Everton to get through after replacing De Ligt, but not a bad 30 minutes.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
A decent run out as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Managed one shot but it was blocked, fine on the ball overall.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Good with his passing but didn't see a lot of the ball.
Mason Mount (N/A):
Only on for the last 10 minutes.
Ruben Amorim (8/10):
Will be pleased with the improvement from his team and the way certain players flourished as he made it two wins from his first three games.