Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton
RUBEN AMORIM surprised Manchester United fans before his first Premier League home match in charge.
Amorim, 39, led United to a dominant 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford thanks to a brace by Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.
The Red Devils looked evidently different under the Portuguese tactician but there were moments during the match that showed the players are still getting used to his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
And Man Utd fans quickly found out how different things are under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss the moment they took their seats at the Theatre of Dreams.
United stars took to the pitch for the pre-match warm-up, as did their opponents.
But then the home fans watched their favourite Premier League team practicing CORNER-KICKS.
And it seemed like Man Utd were actually focused on defending the set-piece.
That is a very rare sight during the warm-up session before a competitive match kicks off.
The Manchester giants ultimately didn’t have to worry about corner-kicks as they easily defeated a toothless Everton side.
Nevertheless, Amorim refused to get carried away at full-time as he insisted there is still a lot of work to do, hinting there could be some more unusual tactics on the horizon.
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He said: “The result was good but we were pragmatic. We were pragmatic and did our job. We can still adapt and have a long way to go.
“In the right moments we had the goals and that changed the game. We don’t just focus on the result.
“We have so much to do but it is better to work with victories.
“Let’s focus on the performance more. We have good moments but some where we suffer.”
Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style... but one midfielder struggles
RUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.
Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.
Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6
Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.
AMAD DIALLO – 8
Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.
CASEMIRO – 5
Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8
Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 9
Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.
SUBS
LUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5
Comfortably easing himself back.
HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5
Looked happy to be out there.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5
Got bustling off the bench.
MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5
Will be wanting more minutes than this.
MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5
Sharp and up for it.