Manchester United will aim to avoid a ninth defeat in 13 Premier League games when they visit Goodison Park for the final time on Saturday. Ruben Amorim faces his latest daunting task against a Toffees side rejuvenated by the return of David Moyes, who has overseen four wins and a draw against Liverpool in five league matches.
United were without 12 first-team players for last Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur, and it’s unclear whether the situation has improved before descending on Merseyside.
Express Sport runs through Amorim’s likely team against Everton – featuring one change – ahead of another potentially youthful substitutes bench.
Man Utd predicted XI vs Everton (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper – Onana
Andre Onana has kept one Premier League clean sheet since the start of December and will be tasked with denying red-hot Beto this weekend.
Defence – Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt
United defended resolutely against Spurs, especially given the circumstances, so Amorim is likely to stick to his guns.
Noussair Mazraoui should continue on the right side of his back three, with Matthijs de Ligt on the left and Harry Maguire down the middle.
Leny Yoro was unavailable last time out due to illness, so there is hope that he will return to the squad with flu-hit midfielder Christian Eriksen.
Midfield – Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu
Casemiro’s first Premier League minutes of the season came against Tottenham, and it showed. It’d be a surprise if the 32-year-old started second successive games.
Patrick Dorgu was a bright spark on his league debut in the Spurs defeat and is almost certain to continue his starting streak at left-wing-back.
Diogo Dalot is also likely to keep his spot on the right, with Bruno Fernandes possibly forced to continue operating in a deeper role.
Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer were absent last weekend through knocks suffered in training. Amorim hasn’t indicated whether either are ready to return, but the Uruguayan will have pushed for a comeback this week.
Attack – Zirkzee, Garnacho, Hojlund
Joshua Zirkzee was United’s best player against Tottenham after reverting to one of the attacking midfield positions rather than acting as the striker.
Amorim praised the Dutchman’s progress after full-time, and he should continue in the role due to a clear lack of alternative firepower.
Alejandro Garnacho was wasteful in north London but is the only out-and-out winger at United’s disposal after Amad’s season-ending injury.
Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t scored in 15 matches but looked lively in the Spurs defeat and is primed to receive another chance to end his drought against Everton.