Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chester FC fan dies hours after ‘making racist gesture towards player during match’ with club reporting him to police

      by

      A MAN who allegedly made racist gestures towards a footballer has been found dead hours after the match. The Chester FC supporter was caught on camera allegedly performing a gesture towards a Warrington Town player during the National League North fixture at Cal.Delivery Stadium on Saturday.A Chester FC fan was found dead hours after a match on SaturdayCredit: X @ChesterFCChester FC announced they were “angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism” after the alleged action.The club said in a statement: “We have acted swiftly to obtain video and photographic evidence of the incident and have identified the individual in question.”The matter will now be subject to an FA investigation and this information will also be shared with Cheshire Police.”Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches.”In an update this morning, a spokesperson shared on social media: “It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved.”We have disabled comments out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends.”As reported by the MailOnline, Cheshire Police confirmed the man was “due to be spoken to at a later date” about a “racially aggravated public order offence”.He was found yesterday at a property in Flint, North Wales and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Most read in FootballA spokesperson for the force said: “During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, November 30 police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence.”The suspect was identified and was due to be spoken to at a later date about the matter.”Sadly, the man was reported to have died at an address in Flint on Sunday, December 1. “There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”The matter has been referred to the IOPC in line with standard procedure.”An IOPC spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the man’s death.”We can confirm we received a referral from Cheshire Constabulary this morning (December 2) and we will assess the available information to determine if an investigation is required.”Chester FC was contacted for comment.Chester FC shared this announcementCredit: X @ChesterFC More

    • 175 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

      by

      POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA has been told to end England’s long wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.Since the award’s inaugural presentation in 1956, only four Englishmen have got their hands on the legendary golden ball.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent playersCredit: GettyEnglishman Jude Bellingham came close to winning the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: PAStanley Matthews claimed the very first one 68 years ago, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, a Kevin Keegan double in 1978 and 1979 and Michael Owen in 2001.Others have come close over the years with top three finishes – Bobby Moore in 1970, Gary Lineker in 1986, Alan Shearer in 1996, David Beckham in 1999, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.Arsenal’s Saka, 23, has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 in the last two years, finishing 24th in 2023 and 21st in 2024 – having established himself as a Three Lions regular and Premier League star.And Gunners midfielder Jorginho – who finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or with Chelsea – said: “[Saka] is unbelievable… world class. I said to him: ‘I want to see you win the Ballon d’Or’.read more arsenal“I said that because I believe in him. I hope he believes in himself as well.”In third place this year, Jude Bellingham became the first Englishman to nick a Ballon d’Or podium place for 15 years after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid with 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning La Liga and the Champions League.To make the next step, Saka needs a similar return and trophy haul.But Saka’s consistency is now setting him apart from the rest this season with five goals and 10 assists in the Prem in 12 outings – seeing him top the assist charts of Europe’s top five leagues above the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJorginho has also been impressed with the variety in left-footed Saka’s game. He added: “Before he was going the left foot, going the left foot. Now he’s going the right foot.“The thing he needs more of now is his hunger to get in the box when he’s on the weak side. I want to see headers from him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemENGLISH BALLON D’OR WINNERSONLY four Englishmen have lifted the famous Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956:1956 – Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Age: 411966 – Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Age: 291978 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 271979 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 282001 – Michael Owen (Liverpool) Age: 22“It’s the little things that he’s missing because sometimes the ball’s on the other side and I can see it coming. I am like: ‘Get in [the box]. And he’s not there. I’m like, no, man.”Jorginho admits he keeps Saka grounded by teasing him in training with a Brazil-based nickname ‘pesudo’ – which translates as ‘big foot’.It is used on the rare occasion Saka fluffs a finish or makes a mistake.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.Jorginho – speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast – said: “He’s going mad, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he?“He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.“And on top of that, the person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”***Listen to the full Rio Meets Jorginho interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify*** More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ipswich release statement after captain Sam Morsy refused to wear Rainbow armband against Nottingham Forest

      by

      IPSWICH captain Sam Morsy REFUSED to wear a Rainbow armband last weekend due to “religious beliefs”.The Egypt international starred for the Tractor Boys in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest – a weekend that saw the Prem promote their Rainbow campaign in support of the LGBT+ community.Sam Morsy refused to wear a Rainbow armband at the weekendCredit: GettyKieran McKenna’s Ipswich have released a statement respecting Morsy’s decisionCredit: GettyAs well as players wearing Rainbow laces and clubs using Rainbow corner flags, captains are asked to wear Rainbow armbands.However, Morsy, 31 – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to do so.In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.read more football“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Most read in FootballAhead of kick-off against Crystal Palace at Portman Road tonight, there are more planned initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ community, including a “takeover of the stadium’s big screen”.Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021.Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word “guess”. More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Joshua Zirkzee’s gun goal celebration explained after Man Utd star’s double against Everton

      by

      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE has revealed all about the MOVIE which inspired his ‘gun shooting’ celebration. Manchester United’s newest striker whipped out his signature moves after netting a double as the Red Devils’ thumped Everton 4-0 on Sunday.Joshua Zirkzee has explained his to-go gun celebrationThe United striker bagged a brace against Everton at Old TraffordIt’s not exactly brand new to the Prem – Phil Foden bends down and poses with an imaginary gun whenever he scores too.But Zirkzee’s cele has left everybody talking – because he sprays an invisible machine gun.Lifting the lid on how he came to choose it, he said: “I started off with something else.”But I got it from the film Django Unchained. There’s a point where he (Christoph Waltz) teaches Django (Jamie Foxx) to shoot.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDElsewhere, Zirkzee also revealed that it pays tribute to Fiorentina legend Omar Batistuta.Argentine legend Batistuta, 55, is famed for creating the firing gun celebration more than 30 years ago.Zirkzee said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee said he was inspired by Jamie Foxx’s shooting scene in DjanoFiorentina fans booed Zirkzee for doing the celebration when Bologna converted a penalty against them in November 2023.They thought it was disrespectful to emulate Batistuta’s moves in his former Stadio Artemio Franchi stomping ground, as then manager Thiago Motta was forced to apologised after the game.Man Utd player ratings v Everton articleMeanwhile, Zirkzee will be hoping to award fans with it again and again, after an upward turn in form over the weekend.Many believed his United career was over before it’d even begun after news that he’d arrived overweight and that Erik ten Hag didn’t even want him. The former Bologna striker said: “Yeah, he is a great role model and I think it’s a great way to celebrate. “When there is a lot of emotion, I think it’s a great way to celebrate.”The Red Devils forked out £36.5million for the 23-year-old but fans were hoping to lure Liam Delap from Ipswich next summer.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Scott McTominay’s career revival as ‘new Napoli leader’ with ex-Man Utd star loved by fans, coach and team-mates

      by

      SCOTT McTominay is taking Serie A by storm and is already a fan favourite at Napoli.Perhaps under appreciated at Old Trafford, McTominay left Manchester United this summer to join Napoli in a £26m move.Scott McTominay has revitalised his career with NapoliCredit: GettyThe midfielder picked up the Man of the Match award as he scored the winner in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Torino on SundayCredit: X @SerieA_ENMcTominay spent seven years with the United first team and was considered as an engine room cog that helped facilitate the Red Devils’ stars – at Napoli he is the star.The 27-year-old Scotland international has become a leader in Italy and someone that manager Antonio Conte is trying to build his team around.It’s working too – McTominay put in a Man of the Match performance and scored the winner as Napoli beat Torino 1-0 on Sunday, adding to his impressive tally at the club already.The midfielder has managed four goals and two assists in 12 appearances this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWith his goals helping Napoli sit four points clear at the top of the Serie A table.In fact, if you take away McTominay’s influence then Conte’s side would be sat fifth in the league.Italian media have described the star as the “new Napoli leader” after he has become a favourite amongst the players in the dressing room.His popularity amongst the team was exemplified when he celebrated with teammates and backroom staff after scoring his goal against Torino on Sunday.Most read in FootballMcTominay was dominant against TorinoThe Scot celebrated his winning goal with the team and staff on the touchlineCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIncluded in those celebrations was Antonio Conte, the Napoli boss who has changed his formation just to ensure he can squeeze McTominay into the team.The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss ditched his favoured 3-4-2-1 setup to shift to a 4-2-4 and a 4-3-3 to get the best out of McTominay.Scott McTominay delights Napoli fans as he’s spotted speaking Italian for the first time The Scot isn’t getting big-headed from his influence on the pitch either, despite netting crucial goals against Torino and Inter in recent weeks.Speaking after Sunday’s performance, he said: “I’ve scored two important goals in the last three games, but the whole team deserves credit.”We’re improving and we’ve got to keep this up. The great results we’re getting is proof that we’re working well.”While Conte thanked the sporting director at Napoli for pushing to sign McTominay on his advice.He said: “We quietly signed [McTominay] and the club and sporting director Giovanni Manna did a great job at understanding what he could bring to Napoli.”But the same goes for every new recruit. We’re a team that’s on the up and the growth of a team happens through the steps each individual player must take every week.”He added: “It is inevitable though that if they ask me to reinforce the squad, I try to pick the best players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did well with Scott because he was not a starter at Manchester United, but I already knew him very well and we worked under the radar to bring him here.”Of course, everyone is eager to prove themselves and I am glad that we got it right choosing McTominay.”Antonio Conte has gushed about the former Manchester United midfielderCredit: GettyMcTominay’s start to life in Naples has been superb More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer becomes second-quickest Chelsea star to reach 30 Premier League goals as he joins Stamford Bridge royalty

      by

      COLE PALMER does not yet have the silverware to match modern-day Chelsea legends – but he has become Stamford Bridge royalty in record speed.The 22-year-old capped his 60th Blues appearance with a goal, an assist and a man of the match performance in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa yesterday.Cole Palmer is fast becoming a Chelsea legendCredit: GettyHe is closing in on a Chelsea record set by icon Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was Palmer’s 33rd strike and 21st assist since his £40million move from Manchester City at the start of last season.In his debut year in West London, the England star scored 22 goals and it put him behind only Erling Haaland at the top of the Premier League goalscoring charts.And he has carried his fine form into this season, netting eight goals in 13 games.The attacking midfielder’s eye for a goal means he can only be compared to strikers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPalmer’s stunning curler to wrap up victory against Villa was his 30th goal in the Prem for the Blues.In just 46 appearances, only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has reached the milestone quicker for Chelsea (41 games).The stunning stat means he has got to 30 goals in two matches less than Diego Costa and 21 fewer than Didier Drogba.Both of those iconic strikers fired the Blues to the title in their first season at the club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer has little belief he will achieve the same in his second term, scowling and shutting down a reporter that asked him about their title chances.When it comes to goals and assists in a calendar year, the No20 needs just three more to set a new club record.Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ Palmer has registered 34 with six Prem games remaining in 2024.Hasselbaink, who did the business in 2001, holds the record on 36. Since Palmer made his debut for Chelsea in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September 2023, he has been involved in 47 goals, which is more than any other player.Despite only playing against some teams twice, has now scored against every Premier League team he has faced except Liverpool and Leicester.And it has seen him and Joao Felix get high praise from Enzo Maresca, who said: “Cole and Joao is the reason why people pay for tickets; to watch that type of player.”Cole can see things, like Joao, that the rest cannot see. It doesn’t mean the rest are not good but they are different from the rest.”Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa as Cole Palmer adds to his ridiculous Stamford Bridge tallyCHELSEA moved to joint-second in the Premier League table with a resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa.Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer saw the Blues make light work of their opponents at Stamford Bridge.Here, SunSport’s Katherine Walsh delivers her Chelsea player ratings…Robert Sanchez – 6Kept Ollie Watkins at bay on two occasions in the first-half, which was welcome after questions were raised over his place as first-choice goalkeeper.Moises Caicedo – 6Rare start from right-back in the absence of Reece James, but was solid in an inverted role as Chelsea grew in confidence.Steps into challenges nicely at just the right time, and is becoming a dependable figure for the Blues.Wesley Fofana – 4Some uncomfortable moments for Fofana amid his battles with Watkins.Was subbed off inside the hour mark after seemingly twisting his ankle as he treaded on the ball while tussling the Villa frontman.Levi Colwill – 6Would have been lower before he cleared Ross Barkley’s blistering header over the bar from a corner.Went down easy when defending Watkins in the second-half, could’ve cost his side some chances against better opposition.Marc Cucurella – 7Chelsea’s most creative full-back won the ball high-up to set up Jackon’s opener.Put the defensive work in aswell after having Jaden Philogene’s number the whole game.Romeo Lavia – 6Another impressive midfield performance from the Belgian, who shows prowess beyond his years on and off the ball.Seems the perfect pivot partner for Fernandez when Caicedo isn’t in the middle, and people need to start talking about how Manchester City let him go for peanuts.Enzo Fernandez (c) – 7His best goal in a Chelsea shirt this calender year with a slick volley past his Argentina team-mate Emi Martinez from the edge of the box.The Chelsea captain set himself up after playing a lovely one-two with Palmer and was involved creatively throughout.Pedro Neto – 6Didn’t get on the ball enough compared to his fellow forward team-mates.Lovely drop of the shoulder after Fofana was subbed off but a pretty quiet afternoon in comparison to Chelsea’s other attackers.Cole Palmer – 8Out of form? Nonsense. He’d been on the edges of it at times. But made one and scored an absolute screamer. You cannot keep a good man down.Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has netted 30 goals at Stamford Bridge in fewer games.Linked up well with Sancho and Fernandez and assisted the Argentine’s volley. The England star was a constant threat while charging at Robin Olsen’s goal in the second-half.Jadon Sancho – 6Full of confidence and a constant threat in a high wing-back role this afternoon.Could’ve won his side a penalty but stayed on his feet inside 30 minutes.Still not quite there in the final third, though, as he was replaced by Madueke midway through the second half.Nicolas Jackson – 7A poacher’s finish opened the scoring inside seven minutes – his eighth in the league this season.A wonderful goal saw him get his foot round to volley in off the post with his weaker peg after Cucurella’s cross awkwardly deflected off Matty Cash.Tangled with Martinez, who was replaced by Olsen at half-time.SUBSBenoit Badiashile (60’ for Fofana) – 6Nothing too dramatic from the towering centre-back after replacing the injured Fofana.Noni Madueke (70’ for Sancho) – 4Booked for simulation in the final five minutes. Unnecessary.Christopher Nkunku (70′ for Jackson) – 5Great cross for what should’ve been Chelsea’s third as Palmer and Madueke got mixed up in the 77th minute.Joao Felix – (86′ for Palmer) – 3Missed a sitter at the death after Madueke’s shot was kept out. Also booked within three minutes of coming on for a lunge on Tielemans. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Joshua Zirkzee praises team-mates for ‘keeping my head up’ when Man Utd career looked over before it had truly begun

      by

      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE’S Manchester United career looked to be over before it had even begun.News that he arrived a stone overweight and was not even wanted by previous manager Erik ten Hag was backed up by his performances.Joshua Zirkzee praised his team-mates after he got back amongst the goals versus EvertonCredit: RexA goal on his debut against Fulham promised much but a drought of 17 games without one delivered little.Even on Sunday, the groans started to grow with his every touch.Then the 23-year-old Dutchman came to life and showed perhaps why the Ineos team at United decided £36.5million might be a good investment.Two goals of his own and a superb turn and lay-off to help in Marcus Rashford’s second put him among the contenders for man of the match as Manchester United ran out 4-0 winners over relegation-threatened Everton.READ MORE ON MAN UTDZirkzee was understandably delighted with his afternoon’s work, saying: “Obviously the longer it takes before you get back on the scoresheet the more frustrating it gets.”But I have some great team-mates who always keep my head up as well when I’m not keeping it up.“They helped me a lot during that time so they were happy for me.”Zirkzee played in a front three with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes but tends to drop back a little.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe arrived not as a straight-out number nine but as someone who operates partly as a ten because he likes to get involved in the build-up play.He said: “I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.”Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans spot moment Mason Mount proved he would be Ruben Amorim’s favourite – before he’d even playedRashford is certainly enjoying the new 3-4-3 formation and looked revived on Sunday.Amorim said the 27-year-old has to “want it” if he is going to get back to the sort of form that saw him post career-best figures of 30 goals two seasons ago, and he certainly looked like he wanted it against Everton.He is clearly enjoying the new tactics and ideas under Amorim.Rashford said: “It is encouraging and fun for us to try something new.”We feel like we can get a lot stronger in this formation as well but also for other teams we have not played this system before.“No one knows what to expect really from us and it puts us in the perfect position. We can change a lot and set up different for different teams.”Marcus Rashford is enjoying working under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyThe atmosphere inside Old Trafford suggests the fans are happy with what the new boss is doing, too.Rashford said: “It is exciting and I don’t want to get carried away, but the energy is what we want from Old Trafford.”It was a second consecutive win for United and marked seven goals in four days following the 3-2 defeat of Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League in midweek.The problems in front of goal look to have gone too with each of Zirkzee, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund getting a pair a piece in the last two games.I felt comfortable today in the role I was in. Of course, the goal helps as well for a striker.Joshua ZirkzeeRashford also scored inside 80 seconds in Amorim’s opening game, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich.For Zirkzee the return to form after struggles this season under Ten Hag shows the strength of character that lies within the squad.He said: “Hard times create strong people and strong people bond. I think that’s what’s happening now.“The most important thing is that we keep going.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the next test will be far tougher than Sunday’s, with a trip to second place Arsenal on Wednesday night.They will face the Gunners without fit again Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez both of whom picked up their fifth bookings of the season on Sunday and so will be suspended for one game.Man Utd ratings vs Everton as Zirkzee answers his critics in style… but one midfielder strugglesRUBEN AMORIM celebrated his first Premier League game at Old Trafford with a stunning 4-0 victory over Everton.Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee shook off questions over their recent form with two each at a thrilled Old Trafford – as the Red Devils won a Prem game by four goals or more since the opening day of the 2021-22 season.Here’s how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the Red Devils…ANDRE ONANA – 6Called into action early and showed growing his growing composure as No 1.NOUSSAIR MAZROUI – 6Has rapidly become one of the United faithful’s favourites doing himself no harm again.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Stretched at first by bustling Beto but beginning to look like he’s settling down in a back three.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6Once again looking like the master and commander of the United rearguard.AMAD DIALLO – 8Went from wasteful to the plundering terror of centre backs Branthwaite and Tarkowski.KOBBIE MAINOO – 6Quiet, calm, controlled, no panic, no loss of possession, no problem for the midfielder.CASEMIRO – 5Looked like his lack of pace might be a problem again in central midfield but ground it out.DIOGO DALOT – 6Enjoying life in his new left-side forward role and didn’t really put a foot wrong.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 8Transformed himself from headless chicken to tripling his whole United tally with two clinical strikes.MARCUS RASHFORD – 9Ruben Amorim has gone out of his way to big up the front man and he’s responding in style.BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Wasteful for a while but got his head down to have a real influence by the end.SUBSLUKE SHAW (Mazraoui 56) – 5Comfortably easing himself back.HARRY MAGUIRE (de Ligt 56) – 5Looked happy to be out there.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Fernandes 66) – 5Got bustling off the bench.MANUEL UGARTE (Casemiro 66) – 5Will be wanting more minutes than this.MASON MOUNT (Mainoo 80) – 5Sharp and up for it. More