With Premier League football now back on the agenda, the Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are hopeful they can continue their good form.
While our resident Red Devils were frustrated by their draw with Stoke City last time out, they hope it’s an unhappy return to Old Trafford for Wayne Rooney on Sunday.
Romelu Lukaku is another who lines up against his former club and our United-mad punters believe these are the type of games Jose Mourinho’s men really must win if they are truly going to challenge for the Premier League title.
Though the Toffees have spent a lot this summer, both Spurs and Chelsea dealt with them fairly easily, so now it’s United’s turn to show they are worthy challengers in the top six.
Just days after their return to the Champions League squad, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ will have to shuffle his pack as Ronald Koeman’s men visit the Theatre of Dreams.
Having said all this, here’s a look at how United should line-up against Everton.
GK: David De Gea
The Spaniard is simply one of the best goalkeepers on the planet. His save against Stoke City will be talked about in the Tavern for years and he’ll need to be at his best to keep some of Everton’s set-piece specialists out.
RB: Antonio Valencia
United’s stand-in skipper, Antonio Valencia is literally the perfect modern day full-back. Robust enough to get up and down the flanks, the former Wigan man has become one of the most important players of the post-Sir Alec era.
CB: Phil Jones
Suspended for Champions League duty, Jones should return to marshal former teammate, Rooney. The England international has enjoyed a good start to the season and looks to be on course to reclaim his international spot.
CB: Eric Bailly
Not at his best against Stoke and suspended for European duty, Bailly will need to put that right against Everton. To be fair, the Ivorian has rarely put a foot wrong since his arrival on these shores, so our punters are backing him to do exactly that.
LB: Daley Blind
Blind isn’t the ideal wing-back in modern day terms, though the Dutchman does provide just a touch more balance than Matteo Darmian being deployed as a left-back.
CDM: Nemanja Matic
Has had a transformative effect on United’s squad since joining from Chelsea and Nemanja Matic’s sitting deep in midfield allows wild horses to run free ahead of him.
Could turn out to be a title-winning signing.
CM: Ander Herrera
Has had to bide his time this season, though Ander Herra is an excellent foil for both Matic and the man we’re about to mention. The Spaniard is oh so energetic and tracks midfield runners, something likely to help stop Everton breaking through.
CM: Paul Pogba
Looking so influential now he has defensive protection, Paul Pogba could have joy when running at Everton from deep positions at Old Trafford. Even on the ball, the Frenchman is changing games with his vast array of passing.
If his injury picked up in the Champions League proves more serious than anticipated, Mourinho may have to consider other options – but he’ll be praying that the Frenchman is fit.
RW: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian just can’t stop this season. After a difficult first year in England, Mkhitaryan is proving his worth amid this devastating United frontline. His ball for Lukaku against Stoke was a thing of beauty and the 28-year-old is always a threat.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Not the most popular man amongst Everton fans, Lukaku will surely be in for some abuse from the traveling Toffees. However, the Belgian is looking every inch a United player these days and can’t stop scoring for Jose Mourinho.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Didn’t know all too much about his goal against Stoke, but that’s just how good Rashford is right now. A serious threat playing on the left, the 19-year-old will give Everton’s defence something to think about all game.
