United travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night. Michael Carrick will face David Moyes in what could be an interesting tactical battle.
This will be Manchester United’s first visit to Everton’s new home. They will also seek revenge after losing 1-0 at home to 10-man Everton.
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After 26 games, the Red Devils have 45 points. As such, this is another chance to boost their hopes of a top-four spot in the Champions League.
However, the Toffees have 37 points after 26 games but will nonetheless be in contention for European football at the end of the season.
The Old Trafford club has not played for nearly two weeks. Meanwhile, the Merseyside club’s last appearance was a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth.
Carrick’s early performance stabilized things after Ruben Amorim’s chaos. After all, United are unbeaten in five games under their interim manager. However, they will be looking to return to winning ways after drawing with West Ham United.
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Team news and possible shapes
Patrick Dolgu remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, Mason Mount is set to return, while Matthijs de Ligt continues to work his way back to full fitness from a back problem.
Dolgu’s absence will once again be felt, as his speed and strength help stretch the floor in wide areas and his ability to recover in transition.
Carrick therefore has to choose between Mathews Cunha on the left, with the former tending to drift towards the centre, and Brian Mbemo, who is a more direct threat.
Jack O’Brien, on the other hand, is suspended after picking up a red card against the Cherries. Additionally, Jack Grealish will miss the rest of the season after surgery on a broken foot.
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O’Brien’s absence means a lack of power in the air, and with the maverick Grealish out, Everton also lose an X-factor in the final third.
Manchester United’s attack versus Everton’s central attack
First, Everton will sit in a compact midfield commanded by James Tarkowski. Once their structure was established, they overloaded the central area with the strong Idrissa Gana Gueye.
After that, they’ll hit you on the counter with Illiman Ndiaye’s guile and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s engine. The climax of this series of actions was Tierno Barry’s sudden appearance in the six-yard box to score a goal.
Therefore, United must be patient and methodical when building their attack. First, Lisandro Martinez is always looking for open passing lanes and judging when to hold on or reverse possession in the first period.
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Casemiro protects the backline, Kobe Mainu looks for space, and Bruno Fernandez can be released as a free agent once United beat the press. Luke Shaw or Diogo Dalot can make low runs in the half-space. This pattern ultimately created a numerical advantage for the final goal and United’s best chance of victory.
The key question is whether one of Amade, Cunha or Mbemo will make way for the in-form Benjamin Cesko after the Slovenian saved United’s blushes with a last-minute equalizer at the London Stadium.
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Moyes aims to frustrate Michael Carrick’s side, just like Nuno Espirito Santo did. Everton have the size of Jarrad Branthwaite to win almost every first ball.
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Additionally, James Garner has the ability to push the ball into the lane, while Tyrique George is an unpredictable option.
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Ultimately, how well United protect the ball when attacking is crucial. If they fail to maintain a properly rested defence, Everton will punish their lack of discipline with ruthless fast breaks.
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Essentially, if United break the deadlock, the game opens up and space becomes available. Instead, if Everton score first, it will be a long, physical night down low.
Featured image composite from Getty Images by Alex Burstow, James Fearn, Jess Hornby
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