Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Everton, as Erik ten Hag’s side look to climb up the table.
The Red Devils edged Luton Town 1-0 at Old Trafford before the international break to make it four wins out of last five in the Premier League. The win over Luton took them to sixth in the table, with just five points separating Ten Hag’s side from fourth-place Tottenham.
The Man United boss knows Everton are scourged following points deduction and will come at them strongly, so he will expect his team to put in a better show than the 1-0 win against Luton.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United have been boosted by the return of Luke Shaw to training earlier this week. Shaw has missed the last three months with a muscle injury but took part in a training session with the first-team squad at Carrington on Wednesday.
Despite Shaw’s comeback, Ten Hag is still having to deal with a long injury list. Lisandro Martínez and Casemiro are not expected back until after Christmas while both Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund picked up injuries in Man United’s win over Luton. Jonny Evans is also sidelined with a muscle injury.
Andre Onana missed Cameroon’s second World Cup qualifier against Libya after being forced off in the 3-0 win over Mauritius. However, the 27-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be fit to play against Everton.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Despite being forced off in the 3-0 win over Mauritius during the international break with an apparent hip problem, Andre Onana is expected to be fit to face Everton. The Cameroonian shot-stopper is slowly getting back his confidence after a tough start to life at Man United.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the Luton game due to illness but was spotted training on Wednesday. He could start at right-back on Sunday, with Diogo Dalot operating from the other side of defence. Luke Shaw should be fit in time to face the Toffees, although Ten Hag would be cautious about putting the England international straight back into the starting XI.
Harry Maguire has been Man United’s best player of late, and the England international could partner Raphael Varane in central defence, with Victor Lindelof—the matchwinner against Luton—dropping to the bench.
Midfield
Christian Eriksen’s injury should open the door for Sofyan Amrabat to return to the starting XI. The Moroccan will sit at the base of the midfield and do the dirty work for the team, whilst allowing Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes to play freely.
Fernandes could drop deeper at times to initiate attacks for the visitors, which will also see McTominay push forward and enter the box often. Mason Mount could bring energy and bite to United’s midfield if Ten Hag introduces him off the bench.
Attack
Rasmus Hojlund was not involved in United’s training session at Carrington on Wednesday and his potential absence at Goodison Park could see Anthony Martial lead the attack for the visitors. With Martial through the middle, the onus will be on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford to provide service from wide areas and pin back Everton full-backs.
Antony had made an impact after coming off the bench against Luton, and Ten Hag will expect something similar from the Brazilian on Sunday.
