Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday in a Premier League clash where both sides aim to reverse recent fortunes.
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While United’s new boss Ruben Amorim looks to build on a thrilling Europa League win, Sean Dyche’s Everton will try to end a frustrating scoring drought in the league.
Match Preview
Manchester United
The Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford is off to an intriguing start.
A thrilling 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League showcased the attacking potential of his side, with Rasmus Højlund leading the charge with a brace. However, United’s Premier League form remains inconsistent.
A 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town last week kept them in a disappointing 12th place, although the gap to the European spots is a manageable three points.
Amorim’s men have been solid at home, winning five of their last six matches at Old Trafford across all competitions.
However, inconsistency in both attack and defense has been their Achilles’ heel.
With just 13 goals scored and conceded this season, United’s games have featured fewer goals than any other Premier League team.
Everton
For Sean Dyche’s Everton, goals have been painfully hard to come by. They have failed to score in their last three league matches, despite facing a 10-man Brentford side last weekend.
These results have left Everton languishing in 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
Defensively, the Toffees have been resilient but uninspiring, with consecutive goalless draws against West Ham and Brentford.
They now aim for a rare 0-0 hat-trick—a feat last achieved by the club in 1982.
However, their historical struggles against United, who have won their last five meetings, make this a daunting task.
Team News
Manchester United
United face defensive concerns, with Jonny Evans (knock), Victor Lindelöf (groin), Harry Maguire (calf), and Leny Yoro (foot) all doubtful.
Teenage defender Yoro remains out, but Luke Shaw could make his long-awaited return to the starting XI, and Noussair Mazraoui may deputize in central defense.
In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could get a recall, while Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund are expected to spearhead the attack.
Predicted Lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Shaw; Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho
Everton
Everton’s injury list includes James Garner, who misses out on a reunion with his former club due to a back issue. Seamus Coleman, Chermiti, and Tim Iroegbunam are also sidelined. Armando Broja has returned to training but is unlikely to feature.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, despite his eight-game goal drought, remains Dyche’s preferred striker over Beto.
Predicted Lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Doucouré, Gueye; Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Key Matchup
United’s attacking trio of Højlund, Fernandes, and Garnacho will test Everton’s defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Everton will rely on Calvert-Lewin to end his drought, though he faces a tough task against Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
Prediction
With Everton struggling for goals and United finding stability under Amorim, the Red Devils are slight favorites. Expect a low-scoring affair, with United’s home form likely tipping the scales.
Prediction: Manchester United 1–0 Everton
