(4-4-2) Martinez and De ligt partners in the defense, Kobbie Mainoo new role”, Predicted Man United line up vs Everton as Ruben Amorim named surprise academy replacement for injured Benjamin sesko
Amorim has turned things around, but the draw away to Tottenham was a bit demoralising. The Red Devils led for a large chunk of the game, but required a last-gasp Matthijs de Ligt header to ensure they didn’t leave North London empty-handed.
United are starting to rediscover their identity, and they look more connected. Interestingly, United are only three points better off under Amorim compared to the same point last season when Erik ten Hag lost his job 13 months ago.
Last season, United thrashed Everton 4-0, and this is a fixture in which Everton have notoriously struggled. The Toffees haven’t beaten United at Old Trafford in the league since 2013, a damning record Moyes will wish to address.
Key Players to Watch
Bryan Mbeumo
Having joined from Brentford for a hefty price tag (£65 million), Bryan Mbeumo has proved his value. He is United’s top scorer with five league goals, and he’s given United more fluidity, linking up well with Amad Diallo.
Matthijs de Ligt
Organisation is key, and Matthijs de Ligt has been the glue that has held United’s defence together. He senses danger, and he is the only United player to have played every minute of the league campaign.
Amad Diallo
Apart from Mbeumo, and occasionally Matheus Cunha, United don’t really have anyone who cause problems in the way Diallo does. His turn of pace and end product make him a slippery customer, but he would like a few more goal involvements.
Manchester United Team News
Benjamin Sesko is set to miss out after coming off against Tottenham with a knee injury. Amorim will hope to have academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo back against Everton after he sat out the Spurs game with a minor knock
Everton Current Form – WLLDW
Compared to the same stage last season, Everton have improved this term. They have seen a 50% uptick in their points tally, and they are just a couple of points adrift of the European places. There have been some changes, most notably the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Moyes is getting the most from his crop of players.
The only concern has been maintaining intensity levels for the full 90 minutes. This was evident in the 1-1 draw away to Sunderland, but they produced a more accomplished performance against Fulham, recording a 2-0 win.
United have been a bogey team for Everton, but they will be eager to set the record straight. Let’s not forget, the Toffees have some tough games Newcastle, Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Arsenal to contend with before Christmas
Key Players to Watch
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish has revitalised his career at Everton after joining on loan from Manchester City. He’s a live wire, linking up play well, and he will look to wreak havoc.
Iliman Ndiaye
A midfield powerhouse, Iliman Ndiaye has been integral to Everton. He’s also got an eye for goal, as illustrated by his sublime strike against Sunderland, a goal of the season contender.
Idrissa Gueye
Comfortable in possession, Idrissa Gueye has completed 87% of his passes and can rake long passes. He’s scored two across his last seven league outings, which is as many as his previous 46 league appearances. He will be key to cutting off United’s supply to Mbeumo.
Everton Team News
Everton don’t have any fresh injury concerns. Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined (hamstring), while Nathan Patterson is unavailable after he recently underwent groin surgery.
Predicted Line-Ups
Manchester United: 3-4-3
Lammens, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Fernandes, Casemiro, Mount, Ugarte, Mbeumo, Diallo; Cunha
Everton: 4-2-3-1
Pickford, Garner, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Gueye, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
