Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Everton on the road in today’s Premier League clash. The Red Devils suffered their 12th defeat of the campaign against Tottenham last weekend, with James Maddison netting the only goal of the game. United manager Ruben Amorim will expect a much-improved performance at Goodison Park.
Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League table with just 29 points, Manchester United will be eager to climb up to 12th place with a victory, provided other results go their way. The situation is particularly dire for Manchester United, as they have fallen significantly below the standards expected of one of the most historic teams in world soccer.
On the other hand, Everton heads to this encounter full of confidence, riding high on a five-game unbeaten streak, which has helped them climb out of the relegation battle and even past United in the standings. The appointment of former Manchester United boss David Moyes has revitalized Everton. He’ll be hoping to worsen his former club's crisis even more.
Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been under intense scrutiny due to consecutive defeats and criticism surrounding his insistence to deploy his favored system, which has not yielded results. Injury woes have compounded these problems, with Amad Diallo and Lisandro Martínez being ruled out for the remainder of the season. Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Christian Eriksen are also nursing injuries, adding to Amorim's selection dilemmas.
Against this backdrop, Amorim has been forced to rethink his strategy and lineup for the match against Everton. The expected formation appears to be 3-4-2-1, which has been indicative of Amorim’s tactical approach. André Onana is set to retain his place as the undisputed starter between the sticks, especially as backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is sidelined due to injury.
Leny Yoro is likely to make his return to the back three after recovering from illness, partnering Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire at the heart of the defense. Patrick Dorgu, who has displayed flashes of potential from both right and left wing-back positions, may find himself on the bench, as Amorim might prefer to rely on experience for this encounter.
Noussair Mazraoui is expected to start at right wing-back, with Diogo Dalot moving to the left side. The midfield will see Manuel Ugarte stepping up as the defensive midfielder, filling the gap for Casemiro, who has struggled with his form recently.
Bruno Fernandes will continue to lead as captain and occupy the no. 8 position for United, hoping to facilitate play and link the midfield with the attack. Upfront, there are expectations of significant changes, with Rasmus Hojlund facing the prospect of being dropped after failing to impact the game against Spurs.
Speculations suggest Joshua Zirkzee might take the place of Hojlund as the main striker after scoring twice against Everton previously. Alejandro Garnacho is expected to feature prominently as the left-sided no. 10, with Christian Eriksen offering width on the right.
Manchester United's resurgence hinges not just on tactical changes but also on finding form against formidable opponents. If Amorim can rally his troops and ignite some much-needed confidence, the potential for progress is evident. The looming showdown against Everton is more than just another fixture; it is about identity and resilience for Manchester United.
Fans and pundits alike will be closely observing how Manchester United approaches this game, especially with their recent form. The team's ability to bounce back under pressure will tell much about the character Amorim can instill within this struggling side. The upcoming match against Everton is not just another game; it's pivotal for the ambitions and future of Manchester United this season.