Manchester United’s dominant 4-0 victory over Everton on Sunday raised eyebrows before kickoff when Rasmus Højlund, fresh off a stellar Europa League performance, was left on the bench.
Manager Ruben Amorim, however, justified the decision, citing tactical reasons and promising the Danish striker’s opportunities will come.
Zirkzee Over Højlund: A Tactical Gamble Pays Off
Amorim’s choice to start Joshua Zirkzee as a false-nine alongside Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes surprised fans, but the move proved effective.
Zirkzee ended his goal drought with two goals, while Rashford matched his tally, leading United to a convincing win at Old Trafford.
Explaining the decision, Amorim said:
“Today, it would have been difficult even for Rasmus to be in a duel with the two central defenders, so we tried to put them against a profile that they are less comfortable against. Josh did a very good job. Two goals are good for confidence, but more important is the performance. He fought for every situation.”
The manager highlighted Zirkzee’s qualities as better suited to exploit Everton’s defensive weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of tailoring tactics to specific opponents.
Højlund’s Time Will Come
Amorim reassured fans that Højlund remains a crucial part of his plans, particularly as the season progresses and the team’s structure stabilizes.
“We need all the players for the sequence of matches, and he is one of them. I try to help my players by putting them in a good position for their characteristics. In the future, we will have a more consistent starting XI, but for now, there will be rotation.”
With Manchester United’s packed schedule and players returning from injury, Amorim stressed the need for squad rotation to maintain performance levels across competitions.
Building Momentum
United’s comprehensive win not only boosted their confidence but also demonstrated Amorim’s tactical acumen. The decision to rest Højlund and the resurgence of Zirkzee offer encouraging signs as the Red Devils prepare for their midweek clash against Arsenal.
Fans will be eager to see how Amorim’s rotation policy evolves and whether Højlund will feature prominently in the high-stakes encounter at the Emirates.