Manchester United returned to winning ways after a 2-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend, but it was not a very convincing performance from the Red Devils on the day.
While the idiotic red card received by captain Wayne Rooney admittedly did not help matters, it has to be said that United looked a bit shaky even with 11 men on the pitch after the Hammers had clawed their way back into the game during the first half.
Rooney idiotically got himself sent off against West Ham United
Now with a tough Everton side set to visit Old Trafford this Sunday, United certainly need to put in an improved performance in order to avoid another sticky situation.
Much like United, Everton have also not been at their best so far this season but one can be sure that the Toffees will give Louis van Gaal’s superstars a tough time.
Goalkeeper
While there are so many aspects of David De Gea’s game which are to be admired, the young Spaniard still looks susceptible to making mistakes and he was certainly at fault for West Ham United’s goal last weekend.
David De Gea committed another mistake against West Ham United
The Manchester United defence looks very shaky as it is and the last thing the Red Devils would want is their trusted number one making howlers every week. Therefore, De Gea will need to put in a strong as well as error free performance this time around, especially against a dangerous attacking side like Everton.
Defence
After so much criticism since the start of the season, the Manchester United backline surprisingly put in a resolute performance against West Ham United and the star on the day was debutant Paddy McNair.
Therefore, it would be a huge surprise if the young man is not rewarded with a start against Everton this weekend despite the availability of both Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett.
Paddy McNair was impressive on his debut for United
Alongside McNair, Marcos Rojo was also very solid last week and the Argentinean international should retain his place in the starting eleven. Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling remain out with injuries.
In the full back positions, Rafael and Luke Shaw did well last week and should also continue against Everton barring a drastic change in the system by van Gaal.
Midfield
Adding to United’s injury woes in midfield – Ander Herrera has also joined the likes of Michael Carrick, Anderson, Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard on the sidelines due to a broken rib, but as a boost for van Gaal – former Everton star Marouane Fellaini is back in contention.
However, Fellaini is unlikely to feature from the start and it is widely expected that either one of Darren Fletcher or Adnan Januzaj will replace Herrera on the right side of midfield.
Juan Mata set to replace Rooney in the starting lineup
With Wayne Rooney set to miss out due to suspension as well, Juan Mata is sure to be reinstated to the starting lineup in the hole behind the two strikers.
Angel Di Maria did not quite have the best of games against West Ham United and will be looking to meet his usual standards against Everton while the tidy Daley Blind is sure to start in the defensive midfield position.
Attack
Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie are set to lead the line for the Red Devils and the duo will certainly be hoping to make an impact after a relatively quiet game last time out.
Falcao will be hoping to get off the mark for United this weekend
In all fairness though, van Persie did find the back of the net, while Falcao had to be prematurely sacrificed following Rooney’s moment of madness.
Now up against a tough Everton side, the two strikers will need to prove their credentials and if they play to their best – one can certailny expect goals at Old Trafford this weekend.
(4-1-2-1-2)
