Ruben Amorim picked up his first Premier League win as Manchester United boss.
The Red Devils have made it back-to-back wins in all competitions with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both scored twice to pick up an important three points in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Here are five things learned from United’s 4-0 victory over Everton.
Joshua Zirkzee has a future at Man United
It felt as though Zirkzee was cursed after scoring on his Manchester United debut way back in August.
He had gone 17 games without a goal since then, but United’s £36m summer signing ended his drought by scoring twice at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim raised eyebrows by dropping Rasmus Hojlund after his midweek brace, but it shows that he has faith in Zirkzee and that faith was repaid.
Zirkzee wants to stay and fight at United amid rumours of a January exit. He took a step in the right direction with a very good performance against Everton.
Jarrad Branthwaite dents transfer chances
As recently as last month, it was reported that United held talks over Jarrad Branthwaite with the Everton defender emerging as a top target for Ineos.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth is said to be a big fan of the 22-year-old but he will not be impressed by what he saw on Sunday afternoon.
Rashford’s strike deflected off Branthwaite for the opener and he then lost possession sloppily for United’s second.
An afternoon to forget for Branthwaite…
Executing Ruben Amorim’s biggest demand
Amorim wants United to control matches – it is non-negotiable.
That certainly didn’t happen against Ipswich with United throwing away a lead, while the Bodo/Glimt game was slightly more chaotic than he would have hoped.
There is no doubt that this was United’s best performance under Amorim and the Portuguese head coach will be pleased to see players buying into his philosophy.
United ended with 59% possession which will put a smile on his face.
Kobbie Mainoo well-suited to new system
There is a belief that Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will eventually be the long-term midfield pairing under Amorim, and the latter got his first start on Sunday.
Mainoo returned from injury and it didn’t take him long to get back in the swing of things.
He saw plenty of the ball and often controlled the tempo for United, collecting the ball from defence before progressing it up the pitch. Mainoo has a huge role to play under Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes back to his best
Bruno Fernandes did not start the season well, but he has burst into life since the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
United’s captain was in superb form under Ruud van Nistelrooy and that has continued under Amorim.
Fernandes picked up two assists at Old Trafford meaning he has now been involved in nine goals in his last 10 matches.
Amorim moved Fernandes back to a No.10 role where he looks best-suited in the new 3-4-3 system.
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