Manchester United will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Everton on Tuesday after their stalemate against West Bromwich Albion yesterday. Both sides suffered disappointment in their previous matches as Everton lost yet again at the hands of Liverpool and United drew a blank against the Baggies.
The Red Devils will miss the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata for the home encounter against Everton while the visitors are also currently suffering an injury crisis. Both teams need a win to be in the reckoning for the top four spots as a loss for either of the two might draw curtains for their European aspirations (though United could still make it if they win the Europa League). On that note, let’s take a look at the predicted Manchester United lineup against Ronald Koeman’s Everton.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea has been an automatic choice between the posts for Manchester United in recent seasons and will take his place against the Toffees. He did not have much to do in the game against West Bromwich Albion though he spilt one shot from Darren Fletcher which could have sneaked past the line and was lucky cause it could have resulted in major embarrassment for the Spaniard.
Defence
With two of their first team centre backs injured, Manchester United do not have many options to select from, for the two central defenders’ role. Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo will keep their place in the side with Daley Blind expected to be on the bench as a cover for the duo.
Luke Shaw was not even selected in the first team squad last night and might be on the receiving end again as Ashley Young is expected to start in a left back role. Joining him would be Antonio Valencia at right back who has been arguably Manchester United’s most consistent defender this season. Matteo Darmian along with youngsters Axel Tuanzebe and Timothy Fosu-Mensah will be on the bench to make up the defensive numbers.
Midfield
With Ander Herrera back after serving his two-game suspension, Jose Mourinho is likely to put him straight into the firing line as the Spaniard has been a crucial cog in United’s wheel this campaign. Michael Carrick played the entire 90 minutes against West Brom but is expected to start again in a space of three days considering the magnitude of this tie against Everton.
Marouane Fellaini has been putting in brilliant performances lately which would see him partnering Herrera and Carrick in a midfield three for the Red Devils. Paul Pogba, who is expected to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury, is likely to be on the bench. Matthew Willock, the 17-year-old academy graduate will retain his place in the first team squad.
Attack
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was substituted with 15 minutes to go yesterday, keeping in mind the next game on Tuesday. Hence, the Armenian will be a certain starter against an inexperienced Everton back line who are struggling with injuries.
Mourinho must have seen his opponents’ taken apart by an agile Liverpool side which would mean Marcus Rashford will start on the left flank replacing Anthony Martial in the starting lineup. The striker for Manchester United will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic who will return straight to the starting lineup after serving his three-match ban. Wayne Rooney will again have to be satisfied with a bit part role.
