Everton vs Manchester United | Team News and Predicted Lineup

Everton vs Manchester United, Man United

Manchester United travel away to Goodison Park facing Everton this weekend as the Red Devils look to make a final push for the top-four heading into the final few weeks of league fixtures for the season. Having secured only eight points from their last five Premier League outings, Ralf Rangnick’s side appear to be slipping away from challenging for a Champions League spot.

However, with the game against relegation-battling Everton providing them with an opportunity to secure a comfortable three points, Manchester United will be keen on launching themselves back into the race for Europe over the remainder of the season.

Everton vs Manchester United — Image Obtained via Sky Sports

An air of excitement has surrounded the club following reports of Erik ten Hag emerging as the chosen candidate for the managerial role starting next season. Therefore, the team will be keen on displaying their potential, while the club will be hopeful of securing European football for the 2022/23 campaign. Although the Red Devils remain unconvincing, distasteful, and inconsistent on the pitch, the team will be looking to deliver three points on Saturday in hopes of redeeming themselves over the coming weeks.

With three points separating United and fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, the battle for a solitary Champions League is set to grow increasingly mouth-watering over the coming weeks. Although the Red Devils remain as outside favourites for a fourth-place finish, a win against the Toffees could certainly push them within touching distance of their challenger heading into the final phase of the season.

Having been substituted at half-time against Leicester City last weekend, Luke Shaw remains unavailable to face Everton on Saturday. Additionally, the likes of Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay remain doubtful due to minor injuries, while Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to slot back into the starting XI after missing out due to illness last weekend.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Everton

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK) – United player of the season hitherto, De Gea continues to impress between the sticks whilst being a victim of the team’s inability to register consistent clean sheets this season. Having been a class above the rest in the ongoing campaign, the Spaniard is expected to remain in goal for the upcoming fixtures.

David de Gea, Everton vs Manchester United — (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB) – Although enduring a difficult spell of form, Dalot remains consistent in delivering decent performances since cementing his spot in the starting line-up. With Aaron-Wan Bissaka’s game-time having taken a major hit due to his challengers’ ability on the ball, Dalot will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Harry Maguire (RCB) – Having delivered a decent performance against Leicester last weekend, Maguire will be looking to improve the team’s prospects over the coming fixtures. Although regarded amongst the unconvincing players in the squad, the Englishman will be keen on improving the team’s and his own performances over the remainder of the campaign.

Victor Lindelof (LCB) – With Raphael Varane likely to miss out due to a minor injury, Lindelof is expected to replace the Frenchman alongside the Manchester United captain at centre-back against Everton. Having been amongst the team’s more reliable performers when given the opportunity, the Swedish international will be keen on regaining his place in the line-up before the end of the season.

Alex Telles (LB) – With Luke Shaw ruled out of the tie against Everton, Alex Telles is expected to replace the Englishman at left-back on Saturday. Having struggled to consistently deliver compelling displays in recent weeks, the Brazilian will be looking to make the best of his opportunity this weekend.

Midfielders

Nemanja Matic (CDM) – With Scott McTominay’s fitness in doubt ahead of the tie against the Toffees, Matic is likely to replace the Scotsman in midfield at Goodison Park. Having delivered impressive cameos in recent fixtures, the Serbian will be keen on delivering his best performances heading into the final string of fixtures for the season.

Fred (CM) – United’s most tenacious and impactful player in recent fixtures, the Brazilian will be keen on continuing to improve his contributions over the coming weeks. Having had a handful of consistently notable performances, Fred is expected to remain the foremost name in the starting line-up over the remainder of the season.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – With Cristiano Ronaldo likely to return to the starting line-up, Fernandes is expected to return to his favoured creative attacking role on Saturday. Although amongst a considerable list of players struggling to deliver consistency and improve their overall contribution at the club, the Portuguese midfielder remains crucial to the team’s chances of securing a Champions League spot at the end of the campaign.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (RW) – United’s most underwhelming player this season, Rashford will be keen on regaining a sense of form over the remainder of the season. With Anthony Elanga having witnessed a dip in form in recent weeks, Rashford is likely to be granted an opportunity ahead of the youngster this weekend.

Jadon Sancho (LW) – Although having been amongst United’s better players in the second phase of the season, a lack of composure has seen Sancho witness a dip in the quality of his overall displays in recent weeks. While regarded as the most lethal amongst a handful of the team’s technical players, the youngster will be keen on improving his contributions over the coming weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – With Manchester United having missed the Portuguese’s presence last weekend, Ronaldo’s return could prove to be the difference against Everton on Saturday. Although having been a victim of the team’s lack of commitment and productivity on the pitch, the striker will be keen on improving his tally of goals over the upcoming set of fixtures.