Optimism is growing at Old Trafford under the new manager, who will now be eying a major upset against the Gunners on Wednesday
Seven games unbeaten, 17 goals scored and only six conceded: the post-Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United has been extremely encouraging for a fanbase forced to endure mediocrity for far too long. Ruud van Nistelrooy steadied the ship admirably in his four-game spell as interim boss, paving the way for Ruben Amorim to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.
A 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town laid bare the huge task on Amorim's hands, but United followed up that disappointing result with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Bodo/Gilmt in the Europa League, before putting Everton to the sword. The Red Devils romped to a 4-0 home win on Sunday, thanks to a brace each from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, which leaves them only four points outside of the Premier League's top four.
It's still very early days for Amorim, but Champions League qualification already feels like a realistic goal. This is more than just a new manager bounce; United have a clear plan going into every game and all of the players are buying into Amorim's unique philosophy.
The mood has changed so dramatically, that Wednesday's trip to title-chasing Arsenal is being seen as a challenge to relish rather than fear. And a win at the Emirates Stadium would send shockwaves through the rest of the league, while confirming one undeniable truth: United are back in business.
Getty Images SportReviving Rashford
By Amorim's own admission, the margin of victory against Everton flattered his team. "I want to be honest with our fans – so let's focus on the performance, not the results," the Portuguese told reporters. "Thursday [against Bodo/Glimt] it was 3-2, but I think we deserved more. Today was 4-0 – but I think Everton deserved [more]."
United are still giving away too many chances, but Amorim has already started to solve their biggest problem: a lack of goals. Led by a resurgent Marcus Rashford, the hosts played with real verve going forward and had a clinical edge that had been entirely absent during Ten Hag's final weeks at the club.
Rashford also scored in the draw with Ipswich, but otherwise struggled to get into the game as a No.9. Playing on the right of United's front three suited him far better at the weekend, as while his first goal came via a fortunate deflection of Jarrad Branthwaite, his second was a thing of beauty, as he sprinted away from his marker to latch onto an Amad Diallo pass before applying a confident first-time finish.
Amorim has promised Rashford will get all the help he needs to rediscover his best form as a "Man United boy", which he doesn't deserve. The academy graduate is lucky to still be on the books at Old Trafford after failing to live up to the minimum standards for effort and quality over the past 18 months. But if his attitude changes permanently under Amorim, then Rashford can play a key role in United's revival.
"He [Ruben Amorim] is definitely demanding, but there's encouragement to bring your strengths into the game," Rashford told after the win over Everton. "That is when you get a really good team performance. Hopefully we can build on this and keep pushing. It's nothing to get overly excited by. We have to keep pushing every day to meet his demands."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportZirkzee must stay
Zirkzee, meanwhile, was surprisingly asked to lead the line against Everton as Amorim gave Rasmus Hojlund a rest after his two-goal showing against Bodo-Glimt, and the Dutchman took the opportunity with both hands. After opening his United scoring account on his debut against Fulham, Zirkzee went 17 games without finding the back of the net, which led many to question why United had spent £36 million ($46m) to sign him from Bologna in the summer.
But the 23-year-old showed great composure for both of his goals in the Everton game, after unselfish work from Bruno Fernandes and Amad, and his general link-up play was top-notch. "Josh did a great job. He scored two goals and that's always important for the confidence," Amorim said when quizzed on Zirkzee's performance. "More important than the performance is that he fought in every situation."
It has been reported that Juventus are eager to sign Zirkzee on loan in January, but it would be a mistake for United to let him go on this evidence. Zirkzee offers something different to Hojlund; the Netherlands international is a progressive passer and dribbler who constantly gets involved in the build-up play.
Zirkzee may not win the permanent No.9 slot ahead of Hojlund, but he can play anywhere across the frontline. United will need to put that versatility to good use as the fixtures continue to pile up, especially if Amorim decides against signing another attacker in the winter transfer window.
AFPAmad is special
Of all the footballing crimes Ten Hag was guilty of during his tenure at Old Trafford, holding back Amad's development stands out as the worst. The Ivorian didn't get the regular starts he deserved because Ten Hag often favoured Antony, despite the Brazilian's obvious flaws.
Thankfully, though, Amorim recognises how important Amad can be for this United team. The 22-year-old could quite easily be filling a spot in the attack, such is his talent for causing mayhem with his pace and trickery, but Amorim has instead asked him to operate in an unfamiliar wing-back role, and he's adapted remarkably well.
Amad's aggressive pressing has been vital in making the new 3-4-3 system work. Both of Zirkzee's goals against Everton came about after Amad had won possession back high up the pitch, while he also sprinted from his own half to the edge of the Everton box to make the third goal for Rashford.
Amorim was delighted with his contribution, but also warned of the potential danger of burnout for the youngster. “Amad was really good defensively and really good attacking and he has to continue to play like that," he said. "You could feel at the end of the game that he was really, really tired, so we also have to manage that as he increases the physical ability."
Those comments suggest Antony will still get a look in sometimes, but Amad has made himself the undisputed first-choice option on that right flank, and as he matures physically he will be trusted with more responsibility. According to , United are eager to tie Amad down to a contract extension in the coming weeks, which is a reflection of Amorim's belief in his abilities. The former Atalanta starlet is clearly a special player and deserves all the recognition he's getting after being treated as little more than a spare part by Ten Hag.
Getty Images SportBruno's importance
Amorim is also getting the best out of Fernandes, who registered two assists against Everton to increase his tally of 2024-25 goal involvements to 13 in 20 appearances. The United captain's ingenuity on the ball helped open up the Toffees' defence at will and he led by example at both ends of the pitch.
There were fears over how Fernandes would fit into Amorim's system, but he caused nightmares for Everton on the left of United's attack. Fernandes also excelled in a deeper role in the Europa League clash with Bodo-Glimt, and Amorim may continue moving the skipper around depending on the opposition.
On this form, Fernandes is United's best player, regardless of where he is stationed. Amorim is already turning Fernandes into a more efficient operator; he's not taking as many unnecessary risks and isn't rushing his execution anymore.
Unfortunately, though, the Portuguese playmaker only lasted 66 minutes on the pitch in the Everton game. Fernandes was subsequently spotted with an ice pack strapped to his ankle on the bench, and supporters will be praying he is not carrying any kind of injury.
United will need Fernandes' magic to upset Arsenal at the Emirates. Amorim is building his project around the 30-year-old, and keeping him fit – for the big matches especially – could be the difference between this season being a success or a failure.
