Predicted XI: Hojlund to continue his goalscoring run against Everton? Fernandes in midfield? Mount & Garnacho supporting Hojlund in attack?

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they welcome Everton to the Theatre of Dreams. Ruben Amorim’s side beat Bodø/Glimt 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday even, despite opening the scoring early on, but conceding two goals, equalising just before half time. United used their experience to win.

It is the second time United had won in the UEFA Europa League this season, drawing the opening three matches, winning the last two matches, putting them up to 12th in the league table with three matches remaining in the league stage. United need to find the same form in the Premier League this season where they are falling short.

United sit in 12th place in the league this season, having won 16 points from the opening 12 matches, winning four, drawing four and losing four. Everton sit in 15th place with just 11 points this season, sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone, which is the area Everton have been for the last few seasons.

Predicted Manchester United Starting XI – 3-4-3

Onana;

Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez;

Amad, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot;

Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho

Goalkeeper: Onana

Andre Onana is by far United’s number one goalkeeper and he oozes that every time he puts on the United jersey. It is great to see things fall into place for the Cameroonian goalkeeper this season but conceding fewer goals is the number one target I would like to see. But for that, having many options to bring up the level of ability is key.

Onana always puts in the best of his abilities every time he plays for his club and I really feel that he is trying to do everything he wants to for the club. His experience is key for United and they really have moved on from the days of David De Gea, who was a good servant to the club but failed to reach the high standards required at the end.

Onana, for me is the number one goalkeeper for United, even if he does not wear the number one shirt. Altay Bayindir may challenge in the not too distant future but I do not think he has what it takes to be playing as the number one in the Premier League and beyond for a number of years. A bit part role is all I see for him.

Defenders: Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez

United’s defence has improved massively this season, especially under Amorim. Partly because injured players are starting to return to fitness, which adds more strength in the squad and allows players to remain fresh in the coming weeks. Noussair Mazraoui is imperative to this United side as he is the workhorse that has been needed.

Matthijs de Ligt is another that is intrinsic to this squad and his availability is key for United as they look to improve their season which fell off the rails under Erik ten Hag and had no really chance of coming back. Under new leadership, United seem to be starting to find their feet, which is a good thing, especially this month.

Lisandro Martinez returned against the Norwegian champions on Thursday evening and it is expected that he will be starting against Everton, as it will be another hard fought match for United, especially if they want to take all three points from the Toffees, who will bring a challenge to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday afternoon.

Midfield: Amad, Fernandes, Ugarte, Dalot

United’s midfield seems to work in this system brought in by Amorim. Amad Diallo is a clear favourite to start as the right wing back as he offers something not provided by any other player who can play in this position. He can score some great goals too. Bruno Fernandes played in midfield on Thursday and he could play there again.

The creativity from the club captain can come from anywhere on the pitch and he will need to fit in where the manager sees him in his plans. Manuel Ugarte played against Bodø/Glimt and I think he should be tested against Everton too. He could start to find his feet under the new manager, which is great for United.

Tyrell Malacia started in the left wing back position against Bodø/Glimt but his fitness was not as far ahead as many would have liked so Diogo Dalot was brought on later in the match. Malacia will need time to reach full match fitness, as will Luke Shaw, not that he fits this role. Dalot should be starting against Everton.

Attack: Mount, Hojlund, Garnacho

United’s attack is strong and starting to reap the rewards this season. Rasmus Hojlund scored twice against Bodø/Glmit showing his ability on the ball and leading the line. For this reason, he should be starting against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. His ability to score goals is really growing since joining United.

Mason Mount started on Thursday evening and should keep his place against Everton, as he works really well in this system, which was utilised at Chelsea when he played for them. He is going to prove himself as an integral player for United this season and just needs to maintain his fitness levels to keep giving for his club.

Alejandro Garnacho is another player that needs to remain on the team sheet for United. He scored once against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday evening and continued strongly in the match as United came back from behind and won. Having these three players fit this season will be integral to how United fair in May 2025.

Substitutes: Bayindir; Malacia, Shaw, Evans; Eriksen, Casemiro; Rashford, Zirkzee, Antony

United will have a maximum of nine players on the bench in the Premier League against Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday. It is expected that Altay Bayindir will remain on the bench with Andre Onana starting in goal once again this week – which is the best option for United as the Turkish international lacks experience in goal.

In defence, United could have Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, if he returns from injury. If not, Tom Heaton or a youth player could join the bench to make up the numbers. United will have so many options in defence once all of the injured players are back an integrated into the squad.

In the midfield, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro could be on the bench for United, which adds some experience later in the match should it be needed. In attack, United should have Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Antony on the bench, which also adds some experience and pace on the bench should it be required.

Written by Paul