Amorim praises Van Nistelrooy for Amad’s recent form and explains decision to start Zirkzee in win over Everton | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim credited the work of former interim boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy in helping Amad Diallo’s recent run of form.

The wide man set up another two goals as doubles from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee helped Amorim to a first Premier League victory in charge of the club, beating Everton 4-0.

Van Nistelrooy, who has been appointed as the new boss of Leicester City, took temporary charge of the team after Erik ten Hag’s departure and before Amorim took over, and when asked about Amad’s performance, Amorim said: “He was really good again. He’s in a great moment but that moment started with Ruud so I just take advantage of Ruud’s work with Amad.

“He was really good defending and really good attacking so he has to continue to play like that.

“You could feel at the end of the game he was really, really tired so we have to also manage that to increase his physical ability.”

Amorim opted to start summer signing Zirkzee up front against Everton and explaining the decision, he said: “I think today it would even be hard for Rasmus (Hojlund) to fight with the two centre-backs of Everton, so we tried to push them into a position where they are not so comfortable.

“Josh did a great job. Scored two goals, which is always important for the confidence, but more important than that is the performance and the way he fought in every situation so it was a good day for him and for our team.”

Rashford also continued his strong start under Amorim with two goals but the United boss insists there is much more to come. “He can do so much, so he has to continue to improve,” he said.

“He has the ability to do it, he already proved that, but he can play so much better, like the other guys. But it was a good performance.”