Manchester United make the trip to Merseyside on Monday night as they face Everton at the newly opened Hill Dickinson Stadium, as we aim to extend our unbeaten Premier League run and strengthen our hold on the top-four race.
Michael Carrick’s side have been one of the division’s form teams in 2026. Since his appointment we have rediscovered rhythm and resilience, going nine league games without defeat and collecting more points than any other side in the calendar year.
However, this fixture comes with added edge. Everton won 1–0 at Old Trafford with ten men in November and are chasing a rare league double over United. Carrick, who played under David Moyes during the 2013–14 campaign, now faces his former manager in what promises to be a stern examination.
Manchester United Team News
Carrick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Mason Mount is edging closer to a return but is unlikely to be risked from the start. Matthijs de Ligt remains slightly further behind in his recovery, while Patrick Dorgu continues to miss out with injury.
Harry Maguire has trained after a recent knock, easing concerns at the back. He is expected to partner Lisandro Martinez in central defence, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw occupying the full-back roles.
In midfield, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo should provide the base, freeing Bruno Fernandes to operate between the lines. Fernandes has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last nine away league appearances and remains the creative heartbeat of the team.
Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo’s away form has been crucial, while Matheus Cunha’s movement and Amad’s energy offer Carrick flexibility in the final third.
Everton Team News
David Moyes welcomes back Seamus Coleman, but defender Jake O’Brien is suspended following his red card against Bournemouth. Jack Grealish is ruled out for the season, while Jarrad Branthwaite has returned to fitness.
Everton sit ninth in the table and remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification. Despite a recent home defeat, their overall form has been steady, and they will be confident under the lights at their new stadium.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored the winner at Old Trafford earlier this season, will again be central to their attacking ambitions. Thierno Barry and Iliman Ndiaye have also contributed goals in recent months, giving Moyes multiple options in the final third.
The Context
United head into the contest fifth in the table, level on points with Chelsea and determined to reclaim fourth spot. Our 1–1 draw at West Ham last time out extended the unbeaten run, with a dramatic late equaliser from Bejamin Sesko demonstrating the renewed belief and resilience within the squad.
Everton, meanwhile, are adjusting to life at Hill Dickinson Stadium. While the atmosphere has been vibrant, results at home have been mixed, with five defeats in their last nine league matches on Merseyside.
Historically, United have dominated this fixture. We boast more Premier League away wins against Everton than any team has against another opponent in the competition’s history. Yet the reverse fixture proved that Moyes’ side can frustrate and capitalise when given opportunities.
Recent Form (all competitions)
Everton:
W D D W L
Manchester United:
W W W W D
Tactical Focus
Carrick has emphasised balance in recent weeks. United’s 4-2-3-1 shape has provided control in midfield while maintaining threat in transition. The extended break since the West Ham draw has allowed further work on structure and sharpness.
Everton are typically compact under Moyes, disciplined out of possession and direct when they regain the ball. They may look to crowd central areas and force United wide, relying on quick counters and set-pieces.
The key battle could lie in midfield tempo. If Casemiro and Mainoo dictate rhythm and allow Fernandes space between the lines, United should generate sustained pressure. But if Everton turn the game physical and disrupt United’s build-up, it could become a tight, attritional contest.
Carrick acknowledged that away trips to Everton have historically been among the toughest in the league. Even in a new stadium, the intensity remains.
Predicted XI
Lammens;
Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;
Casemiro, Mainoo;
Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad;
Sesko.
Predicted Score
United’s momentum and attacking output suggest they travel as slight favourites, but Everton’s organisation and the memory of November’s defeat add caution.
If Carrick’s side manage the atmosphere early and maintain control in midfield, they have the quality to edge it.
Everton 1–2 Manchester United
