United Beyond Manchester

“Dalot joining from fullback. Dalot for GARNACHO! OH WOW! OHHH WOW! That is one of the great goals! In front of a stunned Gwladys Street. Special beyond special. How has he plucked that one out?” These were the words of Peter Drury when Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunning bicycle kick at Goodison Park earlier this season. (watch here)

On Saturday, Manchester United and Everton will meet for the first time since that Garnacho goal. Manchester United put in one of their better performances of the season in that game and won 3-0. After a poor second half at the Etihad, Manchester United and Erik ten Hag will need a win at home this weekend.

Historical Highlight

On December 4, 1999, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer put in an all-time performance as he netted four goals at Old Trafford against Everton.

Francis Jeffers put Everton up 1-0 in the 7th minute, but it was all United after that. Denis Irwin leveled the score at one in the 26th before Solskjaer took over. Over the next twenty-nine minutes, the Norwegian forward scored four times to make it 5-1. Unbelievably, this was the second time Solskjaer managed four goals in 1999. He achieved the feat off the bench in February of that year against Nottingham Forest.

Current Form

Manchester United are coming off a disappointing defeat in the Manchester Derby that saw the club fall six points behind Tottenham in fifth. Back-to-back league losses have put a damper on the hype around Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of football operations. United will need to find form again to have any chance of Champions League football next year.

The Toffees have not won since a 2-0 victory over Burnley in mid-December. Like United’s last match, Everton had a second-half collapse that saw them lose 3-1. The away side come into Saturday’s match 16th in the league and will be desperate to take points for security.

Team News

Both Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford dealt with minor injuries during the match against City that forced them off before full-time. It remains to be seen whether this could keep them out at Everton.

Rasmus Hojlund may be available for selection for the first time in three games after his muscle injury. He will be a welcome sight to all United fans, considering the form he was in before the unfortunate training knock. Despite being fit enough to feature, he will most likely come off the bench so that he does not aggravate anything before next weekend’s FA Cup derby against Liverpool.

Harry Maguire is also expected to return to the side, which is a major boost, especially with Jonny Evans doubtful.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Anthony Martial remain out with long-term injuries.

Everton will be without Dele Alli and Arnaut Danjuma as they deal with long-term injuries. Idrissa Gueye may return from injury in time for the match after dealing with a groin issue. Andre Gomes, Amadou Onana, and Lewis Dobbin were all questionable heading into Everton’s game against West Ham, but each played a part and will look to make an impact this weekend.

Predicted Starting XI

GK: Andre Onana

Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot

Midfielders: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes

Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Marcus Rashford

Match Prediction

Despite poor form and injuries, the Reds should be able to handle a flailing Everton side at home. United will pick up a much-needed three points in a 2-0 win at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford will score for a second consecutive match, and Alejandro Garnacho will add the other. Crucially, Rasmus Hojlund will make his return to the pitch off the bench in this match.

One Bold Prediction

Toby Collyer will make his senior debut. Collyer is a highly rated 20-year-old defensive midfielder who has impressed Erik Ten Hag’s staff. He has been named on the bench in each of the past two games. Collyer will hear his name called for the first time this weekend and will be subbed on in the dying embers of the match.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!