With Jose Mourinho yet to wholly convince the Manchester United faithful propping up the bar in the Transfer Tavern, this season is looking like another long slog.
Still, Sunday sees the Red Devils make the short trip across the North West to Goodison Park to take on an Everton side also going through somewhat of a slump.
Though this is a traditionally fiercely contested affair, the form of both sides heading into the game is nothing to shout about, but it may provide Mourinho with a strong chance of landing a much-needed three points.
Despite the Toffees’ strong start under Ronald Koeman, things have stalled of late and a United side playing to the best of their ability should really be able to come away with all three points.
With that in mind, here’s the 4-2-3-1 formation the ‘Special One’ really should field to leave Liverpool with three points in the bag.
GK: David De Gea
Nothing much more to be said about David De Gea, who simply is one of the best in the business in his position.
RB: Antonio Valencia
While not the most solid right-back defensively, the fact Matteo Darmain has largely been awful since arriving last summer means Antonio Valencia will surely continue in the role.
Crucial going forward.
CB: Phil Jones
Brought into the squad as a result of injuries, it’s a big game for Phil Jones, who will have to deal with the powerful Romelu Lukaku likely enough.
CB: Daley Blind
Not included during the league clash with West Ham, surely Daley Blind is a better option than Marcos Rojo when partnering Phil Jones.
His assured presence would be a good foil for the England international.
LB: Marcos Rojo
Not the most reliable defender in the world, having Marcos Rojo pushing up the flanks and penning the Toffees back is exactly where Mourinho will want him.
CM: Michael Carrick
United’s metronome.
Oddly enough, the presence of Michael Carrick has looked to have brought the best out of Paul Pogba this season, though Mourinho hasn’t always deployed him.
His calming influence will be vital.
CM: Ander Herrera
Tenacious and skilful in equal measure, Ander Herrera brings a much-needed dynamism to the ranks from his central midfield berth.
Surely, he rivals Juan Mata as the club’s best signing in the post-Sir Alex era?
RM: Juan Mata
Really showing just what a top class player he is, Juan Mata is one of few in this United side to always bring star quality with him when he plays.
After being linked with a move to the Toffees in the summer those rumours look far-fetched now following his revival under Mourinho.
CAM: Paul Pogba
Really needs a big performance, especially now he’s been handed a more advanced role under the Mourinho.
With Everton struggling to deal with attacks of late, the Frenchman’s power and pace could be too much for them.
LM: Jesse Lingard
Graft and guile in equal measure, Jesse Lingard is becoming crucial to this United side.
Drifting both inside and outside, the England international gives the Red Devils a creative outlet, as well as a tenacious tackler.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Has looked better in recent weeks after a relative slump and the superstar Swede can really try his luck against an Everton defence in relatively poor form.
Big game for the striker.
