Jose Mourinho faces another stern test this weekend as they face an in-form Everton at home in the Premier League. United are already 9 points off the pace sitting 10th on the table, with 3 defeats already and Everton above them in the table.
However, the recent weeks have been promising for Mourinho and United. A draw at Chelsea, which could easily have been a win and an impressive display in the narrow home defeat to Juventus on the CR7 homecoming.
Provisional Squad against Everton :
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Lee Grant
Defenders: Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Eric Bailly
Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Fred, Andreas Pereira, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial
Team News :
Mourinho has a number of injury problems to contend with for Sunday’s game against Everton. Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay could return, but Alexis Sanchez, Marouane Fellaini and Diogo Dalot are all out.
Predicted Line-up vs Everton:
Jose has fielded the same starting 11 for consecutive games for the first time since last season. With the 4 attackers and playing Mata in the No.10 role, United have looked more threatening in attack. So, it is likely Jose fields his 4-2-3-1 against Everton as well.
Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Irreplaceable in the United goal. Recent reports of tension over a new deal and reports hinting at a move to Juventus.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has earned the right to choose where he moves next, according to Gordon Strachan.
More here: https://t.co/KhtTtiWzni pic.twitter.com/nKEtY6UC4X
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2018
Defence: Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
Young has been phenomenal at right-back in both the games against Chelsea and Juventus and will have starting berth against Everton. Smalling and Lindelof seem to be developing a good partnership together and have looked assured at the back.
Lindelof especially has been praised after his intense performance against Juventus, managing to keep Ronaldo quiet for the most part of the game. Luke Shaw might be the biggest positive for United this season and is likely to carry forward his excellent form against Everton as well.
Midfield: Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic
Pogba has got two good games on the run. He came the closest for United against Juventus, hitting the woodwork with Szczesny nowhere near and was fortunate not to have conceded. Matic has been fulfilling his defensive duties and should continue in the mid-field partnering Pogba in the Everton game.
Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial
Martial has hit top form again as we saw in the first part of the last season and should start on his favored left-wing position against Everton. Rashford has been creative on the right side with an assist that saw Martial score for the lead at Stamford Bridge. Mata should start, he is the glue that binds this United attack together.
Despite what Mourinho said yesterday, think there’s a good chance Lukaku won’t start against Everton tomorrow. Short of confidence and others deserve a go.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) October 27, 2018
Lukaku has been in poor form recently and hasn’t scored for United since the 2-1 win over Watford last month. Jose is under pressure to drop him, but Sanchez out with an injury, he is out of options is expected to keep faith in his striker.