Manchester United vs Everton: The Preview

Ruben Amorim will be looking to secure his second win at Old Trafford in a matter of days when Manchester United take on Everton in Sunday afternoon’s Premier League encounter.

The Red Devils came from behind on Thursday night to win 3-2 against Bodo Glimt in the Europa League, whilst our visitors failed to break down a 10-man Brentford last weekend in a goalless draw.

United have scored early under Ruben Amorim’s management and it was the case against Bodo Glimt when the players capitalised on a goalkeeper mistake to see Alejandro Garnacho giving us the lead after the first minute. The opposition soon hit back with two counter-attacking goals looking to spoil the party. However, Rasmus Hojlund’s double ensured the Reds came away with the victory.

Last weekend saw us draw 1-1 away against Ipswich Town to open up Amorim’s reign at the club. Another early goal by Marcus Rashford was cancelled out by Omari Hutchinson brilliant but deflected leveller that denied the Reds to lift themselves into the top half of the table. We currently sit in 12th place but only three points behind Tottenham who are in sixth.

The win over Bodo Glimt extends our winning run at Old Trafford having secured victories from five of our last six games across all competitions. United have scored only 13 goals from the 13 league games and have seen the fewest goals of any top-flight team this season. 

Manchester United Team News

For United, Ruben Amorim will have his full arsenal of midfielders and attackers available for Sunday’s encounter against Everton. It is in our defence where the concerns lie with Jonny Evans (knock), Victor Lindelof (groin), Harry Maguire (calf) and Leny Yoro (foot) working their way back. 

Yoro is nearly at the end point in his rehabilitation from the injury he had sustained during pre-season. However, he is currently building his fitness back up and is unlikely to be considered for this weekend.

With Tyrell Malacia making his comeback on Thursday night since May 2023, Amorim may now look to give Luke Shaw his chance at starting at left wing back. Kobbie Mainoo could potentially make his return against the Toffees.

Manchester United Possible Lineup

Onana; 

Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; 

Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Shaw;

Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho.

Opposition Preview

Everton arrive at Old Trafford in not-great scoring form, having failed to find the net in their last three league games over Southampton, West Ham and Brentford. The Toffees had the perfect opportunity last weekend to end their drought in front of goal against Brentford as Christian Norgaard was sent off, but were unable to take advantage with the extra man on the field to secure a successive goalless draw.

They are without a win in their last four league games since their victory over Ipswich Town back in the middle of October. Everton are currently in 15th place only two points off the relegation zone and four points behind West Ham who sit above them.

If the Toffees were to have another 0-0 goalless draw at Old Trafford, it would be the first time in Premier League history and only second time in their history since 1892 that they would have played out a stalemate in three consecutive league games.

The last goalless draw between Everton and United came in the 2009 FA Cup final. The Reds are currently on a five consecutive winning run against the Toffees and did the double over them in the 2023/24 season.

Everton Team News

Former Manchester United player James Garner will not feature against his old club due to a back problem while Seamus Coleman (thigh), Chermiti (ankle) and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) are also on the sidelines. Armando Broja who has returned to training after his achilles injury has a slight chance of making the squad for Sunday.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has now gone eight straight Premier League matches without scoring but has started every top flight game and is likely to keep Beto out of the starting eleven.

Form Guide

Manchester United Premier League form: WLDWD

Manchester United form (all competitions): DWWDW

Everton Premier League form: WDLDD

Prediction

Whilst Everton have been unable to score in the last three league games, the defence has been rock solid so United will have their work cut out to break them down. These games between both sides have not seen many goals in the past. However, if the Reds break the deadlock first, then they should go onto grab all three points.

Manchester United 2-0 Everton