Manchester United host Premier League relegation battlers Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday, 8 April. Last Word on Sports tries to put together a Manchester United Predicted Lineup as the Red Devils look to win another home game and pile the pressure on the top-3 race.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Everton
Getting set for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off 🌪⚽️#MUFC || #MUNEVE pic.twitter.com/FNYftvcdTv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 7, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-Up Recently
Erik ten Hag hasn’t shown any intention of mixing up his starting eleven through their topsy-turvy form since winning the Carabao Cup title in February. He’s been forced into making some adjustments due to injuries or suspensions, but mostly stuck to the winning core that has helped his side pick up consistent wins this season.
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The back-five of David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw has almost been an ever-bearing combination, but that could be changed this time due to injuries and risk of fatigue. However, the likes of Marus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes are unlikely to get much rest as they keep starting together to develop a stronger connection with each other.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
The Red Devils have been in relatively shaky form in the Premier League over the last month, only being able to win one of their last four league games – in which they’ve also suffered two losses. However, United’s home form this season has been excellent – as they’re unbeaten at Old Trafford since August 2022.
The reason behind that is Ten Hag has mastered setting up his side perfectly for home games. He sticks with his 4-3-3 system, but mostly places greater emphasis on attacking football – allowing the midfielders to play higher up alongside the defenders as well. In a game like this against Everton, who are expected to sit back and soak pressure, Ten Hag is likely to drive his entire side forward – even encouraging defenders to move forward to create more passing options and destabilize the visitors.
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United have shown a reliance on attacking through the wings, often using quick passes and long balls to get the ball wide and then eventually bringing it to central areas. They’ll also look to goad Everton out of their shell and hit on the counter-attacks, where the Red Devils can be devastating due to pacy and incisive players.
Manchester United Key Players
Rashford remains a one-man wrecking ball for his side in the frontline. With 28 goals this season, he’s soaring for them. The Englishman can be tough to keep quiet, with his brilliant pace and dribbling ability helping him get into promising areas. He’s also improved his general movement and anticipation quality, allowing him to score goals consistently by being in the right places at the right time.
Fernandes is still the creative beacon for United, with his smart defence-splitting passes helping open up all the opportunities for his side. Antony’s dribbling ability is exciting, but he needs to further improve his final delivery and the accuracy of his passes in the box. Marcel Sabitzer, their inspired January signing, adds a sense of unpredictability with his clever movement and unorthodox passes – with his unique style being key for the Red Devils to break open the rigid Toffees’ backline too.
While the Manchester giants are expected to dominate possession and play on the front foot, their backline needs to remain alert and sturdy. The brilliant Martinez could play with club captain Maguire in this, and both need to be totally focused on cutting out any potential counter-attacks the visitors try creating in order to bolster their side’s chances of getting a big win.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Luke Shaw has been ruled out of the game by the manager, meaning Tyrell Malacia – who was described as a ‘fantastic person’ by Robin van Persie last year – is poised to start. Casemiro is still serving out a ban, while Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek are injured. Christian Eriksen, who was initially viewed to return in May due to an injury suffered in January, is likely to make a comeback in this one.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Marcel Sabitzer, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
