Luckhurst: Ten Hag’s tenure looks increasingly more bizarre after Amorim implements influential change

Ruben Amorim claimed a second successive win and first Premier League home victory as Manchester United thumped Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford yesterday.

The new head coach remains unbeaten after the opening three matches of his tenure but faces his most significant obstacle on Wednesday evening when the Reds travel to face second-placed Arsenal at the Emirates.

He’s already proven that rotation can indeed be fundamental to ensuring the squad remains fresh while also rewarding those who are deserving of increased game time or starts. Take Joshua Zirkzee, for example, who had endured a run of lacklustre form heading into the clash yesterday, having not scored since the first day of the Premier League campaign.

The Dutchman went on to add two goals to his tally, and if he continues to recreate performances to that standard, he’ll very quickly justify his £36.5 million price tag.

Amorim has quickly learned how pivotal Amad Diallo will be to his tenure

Zirkzee wasn’t the only standout performer on the day, though. Marcus Rashford also recorded a brace while Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo notched two assists each – the latter of which was simply unplayable throughout his 90-minute shift.

According to StatmanDave, no United player completed more take-ons (four), won more tackles (four) or created more chances (three) than the 22-year-old livewire against Everton. He was unsurprisingly named Player of the Mach upon the full-time whistle, making Erik ten Hag’s continued decisions to overlook Amad for a starting role appear increasingly ludicrous with each passing match.  

Such a sentiment was only echoed by journalist Samuel Luckhurst post-match. He said on X/Twitter: “Bizarre that it took more than four months for Amad to get a start last season. [It’s] even more bizarre that Omari Forson once started ahead of him. He’s torn Everton to shreds today. Perfect profile of player for Amorim in this formation.”