Everton return to Premier League action after a 16-day break with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
Mercifully, there are no more international breaks to disrupt the flow of the season until
March. They have proven particularly frustrating for the Toffees this season, as they have won each of their three matches before a break so far.
The last match against Fulham brought a much-improved performance, albeit against a poor Cottagers side who should have lost by more than two. Thierno Barry’s display and warm ovation was a highlight. He is still very raw but it was his best display to date and one which we all hope with give him confidence.
Waiting until Monday to resume and build on that win has only added to the frustration, though having seen all the teams play, they now know that a victory would lift them above Liverpool, while a win by two goals or more would also nudge them ahead of the Red Devils.
I know what you are thinking — very ‘beat Villa we go top’ vibes. Plus, Everton’s record at Old Trafford is truly awful: just two wins in 33 years, the last coming when David Moyes was in the home dugout in December 2013.
The opposition
Manchester United are having a very up-and-down season as they seemingly lurch from crisis to clear signs of optimism — par for the course for such a high-profile club with a huge fan base.
Rúben Amorim’s dogged determination to stick with his 3-4-3 formation, despite not always having the right players, has put him under severe pressure — though the fact United have chopped and changed managers as frequently as Everton in recent years suggests the board are reluctant to make another change and are willing to give the former Sporting boss more time.
The embarrassing defeat to Grimsby was perhaps the nadir and will have severely tested many fans’ patience, but since then there have been signs of progress. They are unbeaten in five matches, featuring three wins on the spin over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, followed by draws with Forest and Spurs.
They are a side with obvious flaws, most notably in defence, but a vibrant attack bolstered by the summer recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Then there is their imperious record against Everton. They have won 42 matches against the Toffees in the Premier League era — more than against any other opponent — and have lost just one of their last 12 meetings at all venues and one of their last 32 at Old Trafford.
Previous meeting
Everton 2–2 Manchester United, 22 February 2025
Everton could, and perhaps should, have come away with the victory when the sides last met in February. Abdoulaye Doucouré and Beto put the Toffees 2–0 in front during an utterly dominant first half.
United improved after the break but rarely threatened before a brilliant Bruno Fernandes free-kick got them back into the game on 72 minutes. Eight minutes later, a spectacular volley from Manuel Ugarte earned them a draw.
Everton should have had a chance to win it when they were awarded a penalty in the closing stages for a foul on Ashley Young by Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. But a quirk of the VAR process meant only Maguire’s contact was reviewed and deemed not enough for a foul, while a replay showing de Ligt’s shirt pull was not shown.
As you can tell I am completely over it.
Team news
Everton will be without Merlin Röhl after it was revealed the midfielder has had minor surgery on a hernia issue that will sideline him for a few weeks.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains out as he continues his recovery from a hamstring operation, while Nathan Patterson is also still absent with foot and groin injuries.
Final word
This is a United team with a soft underbelly, but Everton’s dreadful record at Old Trafford — indeed, at any ground of the so-called ‘big six’ — means optimism is low, and a draw would be considered a mighty fine result.
