Everton vs Manchester United: Can the Toffees maintain their unbeaten start to the season?

Everton host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday in an early-season Premier League clash with high stakes.

Manchester United won this fixture 1-0 last season through a Benjamin Šeško strike in the 71st minute.

Everton are unbeaten with four points from two matches, including a late James Tarkowski equaliser at Bournemouth last weekend.

United have three points after beating Ipswich Town 5-2, led by Bruno Fernandes’s hat-trick, which made him the Premier League’s current top scorer.

In this fixture, Everton have only won nine out of 70 matches against the red Devils whilst their opponents have won this fixture 44 times.

Two transfer stories shape expectations around this fixture. David Moyes said: “We’ve got a small squad now, and they’ll all have to muck in.”

Everton’s transfer window ended in frustration, with Folarin Balogun’s move collapsing after a medical issue and Iliman Ndiaye departing for Manchester City.

Everton were left with one senior right-back, one senior left-back, and one senior centre-forward, creating a volatile mood among supporters.

Manchester United strengthened midfield with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba, but did not add a left-back despite defensive concerns in wide areas.

Michael Carrick said: “We wanted to come out stronger than last season, and I’m delighted with the players we’ve brought in.”

Everton’s squad depth is thin, with only 18 senior outfield players available, forcing Moyes to consider academy involvement.

Benjamin Šeško is improving fitness after a shin issue but may not start.

Marcus Rashford is expected to start on the left, targeting Everton’s vulnerable right-back area.

Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans formed a bright partnership against Ipswich and can anchor United’s midfield again.

Everton will rely on physicality, direct balls, and set pieces, striving to bully United’s defenders as they have historically done.

Manchester United must avoid another slow start after conceding first in both league matches this season.

Everton’s fan atmosphere is volatile and could turn quickly if they concede early, allowing United to control momentum.

Everton won their only home match at Hill Dickinson this season, while United lost their only away match.

Everton’s predictable lineup due to limited options contrasts with United’s flexibility and depth.

Manchester United’s midfield balance and wide defensive structure will be key against Everton’s direct approach.

Everton’s mood is unpredictable, and their supporters could energise the team or turn sharply if the team falls behind.

United’s aerial threat through Šeško, even off the bench, may be decisive late in the game.

Everton’s physical style and home atmosphere make this fixture dangerous, so United must start fast, stay composed, and impose themselves early to seize control.

Team news

Everton will only be missing their summer signing Christian Norgard from Arsenal for today's 3 pm kick-off.

The away side will be missing crucial wide man Amad Diallo due to a minor knock; the 70 million-pound man Carlos Baleba will also be absent with an ankle injury.

Manuel Ugarte has sustained a long-term injury till next year whilst Matthijs De Ligt and Mason Mount are a doubt for today's match.

Predicted line-ups: Everton starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Pickford, Röhl, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Armstrong, Garner, Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, George, Barry

Predicted line-ups: Manchester United starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Lammens, Shaw, Martínez, Maguire, Dalot, Mainoo, Tielemans, Rashford, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Cunha