It appeared that JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S time at Manchester United was nearing an abrupt end before it even commenced.

Reports suggested that he showed up a stone overweight and was not favored by former manager Erik ten Hag, a reality mirrored in his initial performances.

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A goal on his debut against Fulham heightened expectations, but a 17-match goal drought ensued with little impact.

During Sunday’s game, frustration grew with each of his touches.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Dutch forward came alive, demonstrating why the Ineos team at United believed a fee of £36.5 million was justifiable.

He netted two goals and provided a remarkable turn and assist for Marcus Rashford’s second goal, positioning himself as a candidate for man of the match as Manchester United secured a 4-0 victory over Everton, who are grappling with relegation issues.

Zirkzee shared his excitement after the game, saying: “Obviously, the longer it takes to get back on the scoresheet, the more frustrating it becomes.

“I am fortunate to have amazing teammates who support me during my tough phases.

“They have been a great help in this challenging time, and they were sincerely happy for my success.”

Zirkzee worked within a front three alongside Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, frequently dropping deeper to aid in the build-up play.

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He wasn’t brought in as a conventional number nine but as a player who also functions akin to a number ten, enjoying his role in the build-up stage.

He added: “I felt quite at ease in the role I played today. Naturally, scoring contributes to that comfort.”

Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – before he’d even played

Rashford is clearly thriving under the new 3-4-3 system implemented by Amorim.

Amorim emphasized the need for Rashford to showcase his determination to reclaim the form that saw him score a career-best 30 goals two seasons ago, and on Sunday, he certainly appeared eager.

Clearly, he is relishing the new tactics and strategies introduced by Amorim.

Rashford remarked: “It’s invigorating and exciting for us to explore these new methods.

“We believe this formation can make us significantly stronger, especially against teams unfamiliar with it.

“It gives us an element of surprise, placing us in a favorable position. We can modify our setup for various opponents.”

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The atmosphere at Old Trafford suggests that fans are supportive of the fresh direction under Amorim.

Rashford highlighted: “It’s invigorating, and while I don’t want to jump ahead, the energy reflects exactly what we desire from Old Trafford.”

This win marked United’s second consecutive victory and their seventh goal in just four days, following their 3-2 comeback against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League earlier that week.

It appears the goal-scoring struggles have lessened significantly, with Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund each finding the net twice in their last two outings.

Rashford also scored within the opening 80 seconds of Amorim’s debut match, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich.

For Zirkzee, bouncing back from earlier struggles this season under Ten Hag exemplifies the squad’s resilience.

He remarked: “Challenging times build strong individuals, and those individuals create connections. That’s what’s unfolding right now.

“The important thing is to keep our momentum going.”

However, the next challenge looms larger than the match against Everton, as they prepare to face second-place Arsenal on Wednesday night.

United will face this challenge without Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, both of whom were suspended for the upcoming match after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season on Sunday.

Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder struggles

RUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League match at Old Trafford with an impressive 4-0 victory over Everton.

Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee both silenced their recent critics by scoring twice, as the Red Devils achieved their first Premier League win by a margin of four or more goals since the 2021-22 season kickoff.

Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…

ANDRE ONANA – 6

Called into action early on and showed increased composure as the No 1.

NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6

Quickly becoming a fan favorite, he continued to impress.

MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6

Initially tested by a physical Beto but is starting to find his rhythm in a back three.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6

Once again appeared as the linchpin of United’s defense.

AMAD DIALLO – 8

Transitioned from ineffective to a major threat against defenders Branthwaite and Tarkowski.

KOBBIE MAINOO – 6

Paced through the match quietly and effectively, maintaining possession without any issues.

CASEMIRO – 5

Seemed to struggle slightly with tempo in midfield but managed to endure.

DIOGO DALOT – 6

Enjoyed his new forward position on the left and played steadily.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8

Significantly improved from previous performances, scoring two sharp goals to triple his tally for United.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 9

Ruben Amorim has been very supportive of him, and he’s responding exceptionally well.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 6

Had some wasteful moments initially but made a substantial impact by the end.

SUBSTITUTES

LUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5

Gradually rediscovering his form.

HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5

Seemed happy to be playing.

ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5

Outpaced a bit shortly after coming off the bench.

MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5

Will be looking for more minutes in upcoming matches.

MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5

Appeared sharp and full of energy.