Amorim delighted as Man United record biggest win of the season so far

The Portuguese manager was pleased with the team's 4-0 win over Everton, but warned there is still room for improvement.

It's been a while since Old Trafford saw his side win so comfortably. Just over three years, in fact. The last time United won by a four-goal margin was on the opening day of the 2021/22 season when Leeds went home with their tails between their legs after a thrashing.

Everton received similar treatment this afternoon, and although United struggled at times in the first half, goals from Rashford and Zirkzee just before half-time put them on track for a victory that both players confirmed after the break.

The two attackers, who were previously discreetly under the command of Ten Hag, have been revived by the arrival of Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach praised the work of both players, as well as that of Diallo, who provided two assists, in his post-match press conference.

Obviously Zirkzee and Rashford will make headlines, but what did you think of Amad Diallo's performance? He seems to be everything you want in a player…

He was really good again. He's at a great moment. But that moment started with Ruud, so I just benefit from Ruud's work with Amad. He was very good at defending and attacking, so he has to keep playing like that. At the end of the match you could see that he was very tired, so we have to deal with that as well and increase his physical skills.

Are you happy with the result?

The result is good, but not beautiful, it was pragmatic. We did our job, which was to win. I feel like we still have a long way to go. We were good in the first minutes, but then Everton controlled the game. We scored at the right moments and changed the game. We can focus not only on the result, but also on how we achieved that result. We still have a lot to do, but it's easier to work after winning. Let's focus on performance and not so much on the result.

Are you not convinced of your team's performance?

We don't have a list of great gigs, we have a rollercoaster of gigs. There are times when we do very well, but there are also times when we suffer. We win, just like in the Europa League. We need time to train and improve.

Joshua Zirkzee scored twice today. Do you feel like you've had to boost his confidence a little bit since he's been here?

First of all, I need all the players to handle all the matches we have, so he is one of them. I just try to help my players and put them in a good position based on their characteristics. I think today it would have been very difficult for Rasmus to fight with Everton's two centre-backs, so we tried to push them into a position where they don't feel very comfortable.

And Josh did a great job, scoring two goals, which is always important to build confidence. But more important than that was the performance – the way he fought in every situation. It was a good day for him and for us.

The team has now scored three goals straight from kick-off. Is that something you work on in training or try to instill in the boys in the locker room?

No, we're just very lucky (smiles). I'm really very lucky! We just want to play well, because it is better to start a match by scoring. But if you look at the last three games, all the decisive moments were for us and we have to recognize that.

Today we started very well, but then we lost control of the match and followed the ball after 15 minutes without possession. But then we scored… in a set piece. So that was the key for us. Just before half time we scored again. We scored again right at the start of the second half, so we have to recognize that we have scored goals at the right times in the last three games.

This win is more up to the players than the coach.

You said on Friday that Rashford “has to want it”… was that what you wanted from him today?

Yes. There are so many things he can do. He has to keep improving. He has the ability to do it, he has already proven that. But he can play so much better, just like the other guys, so it was a good performance. Tomorrow he has to recover and start thinking about Arsenal.

Today's win puts the team on 19 points – just outside the top four. Is a Champions League place what you have in mind?

I understand that. But it's bad for me: I say no, but I want to be honest with our fans. Let's focus on performance and not results. We'll see eventually. As I have said many times, I will be judged on where we finish the season. I know, but let's focus on the next match.