Everton Vs Manchester United Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
After back-to-back Premier League defeats, Manchester United head to Goodison Park on Saturday, desperate to stop the rot against an in-form Everton side. The early kickoff promises drama, though, as we’ve often seen, it might start as a slow burn before igniting into a full-blown battle. The big question remains: will the Red Devils finally deliver the “great sound of training” their coach has preached, or are we in for another frustrating déjà vu performance?
The atmosphere at Carrington has been anything but uplifting. From key injuries and staff layoffs to INEOS’ cost-cutting measures and constant leaks from the dressing room, turbulence surrounds Manchester United. Frustrated by the ongoing leaks, Omar Berrada has taken a firm stance, issuing a stern warning via a general email—anyone caught spilling internal information won’t just face the sack but could also face legal action.
According to Amorim, progress is being made on the training ground, and he remains steadfast in his philosophy—the same formula that has brought him success in the past. However, Manchester United’s players have struggled to adapt, leading to a string of costly defensive errors. As a result, the Red Devils find themselves languishing in 15th place, a position that raises serious concerns about their ability to turn things around.
The Red Devils suffered a narrow defeat in their last match against fellow strugglers, Spurs, with James Maddison’s lone goal proving decisive. Despite both teams creating numerous chances, their poor form was on full display as neither could land a knockout blow. United’s situation was made worse by a depleted bench consisting solely of academy graduates—yet no substitutions were made until the 90th minute, even when fresh legs in attack and midfield were desperately needed. This begs the burning question: who approved the signing of Ayden Heaven?
Manchester United may have won their last two away league games against Everton, but their overall form paints a bleak picture. With 12 defeats in 25 Premier League matches this season (W8 D5), this is their worst start to a league campaign since 1973-74, the season they were last relegated from the top flight. Is this historic club heading into a relegation battle?
For the first time this late in a season, Everton sit above Manchester United—a feat last achieved in 2013-14, when David Moyes was sacked after a defeat at Goodison Park. The Toffees struggled under Sean Dyche, winning just three of 19 league games and scoring only seven goals from open play before his dismissal. Yet, in just six matches, Moyes has already won four and netted eight open-play goals—a textbook new manager bounce that a certain Rúben Amorim has yet to replicate.
Moyes also has a habit of frustrating his former club. He won both his Premier League home encounters against United with West Ham in 2023 (1-0 and 2-0), and his record stretches further back to a 1-0 victory with Everton in 2012.
Everton will be further strengthened by the return of Abdoulaye Doucouré, adding extra steel to their midfield. With momentum on their side, the Toffees could prove too strong for an out-of-sorts United.
The reverse fixture saw United dismantle Everton 4-0, with braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, while Amad Diallo delivered his best performance in a Red Devils shirt. But with two of those three missing this time, who will step up at Goodison Park?
Who do you think will come out on top?
Manchester United’s record against Everton:
| Games won: | 96 |
| Games drawn: | 47 |
| Games lost: | 71 |
Team News:
(As of today 22/02/2025)
Everton: Ilman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti, Nathan Patterson Seamus Coleman, and Orel Mangala are absent.
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Johnny Evans, Amad, Martinez, Toby Collyer. Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, and Kobbie Mainoo remain unavailable.
Prediction:
After back-to-back league defeats, Manchester United will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and avoid another setback. However, against one of the league’s in-form sides, a victory seems unlikely.
Everton 1-1 Manchester United
What’s your prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!