Returning to domestic competition, Everton face yet another challenging fixture, this time against early league leaders Manchester United. United, who place above their city rivals only on goal difference, are unbeaten in both the Premier League and the Champions League, with their only loss this season coming against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
United put both West Ham United and Swansea City to the sword early on, recording convincing 4-0 victories in both fixtures. They saw off Leicester City 2-0 and drew 2-2 in a tough game against an Eric Choupo-Moting inspired Stoke City, before returning to winning ways against Basel in the Champions League, winning 3-0 in their first group stage game.
The Red Devils have built well this summer, as they seek to re-establish themselves as domestic and European heavyweights. Despite only finishing 6th in the Premier League last term, José Mourinho’s men won a handful of silverware, including the FA Community Shield, the EFL Cup and the UEFA Europa League, the latter of which awarded the club a Champions League spot.
The Old Trafford outfit spent over £150million on new talent this summer, securing the signatures of Benfica’s Victor Lindelöf, Chelsea’s Nemanja Matić and our very own, Romelu Lukaku. United also re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimović, after the Swede’s contract with the club expired this summer.
Wayne Rooney saw his lengthy United career come to a close, when he returned to Goodison Park this summer. Other outgoings include fringe players, such as Josh Harrop, Adnan Januzaj and Guillermo Varela.
To get an inside view on all matters Manchester United, I spoke to the Press Association’s Chief Football Writer and United correspondent, Simon Peach.
Manchester United have been fantastic this season. Aside from a tough game against Stoke, United have won comfortably in both their Premier League fixtures and the Champions League. How do you feel the new signings are influencing United’s improved play?
United were solid enough last term but lacked killer instinct and nous. Having spent much of last season bemoaning a lack of cutting edge, Romelu Lukaku has clearly been a key acquisition in attack. Six goals in as many matches bodes well, as does Nemanja Matić’s early performances. Solid, calm and assured, his presence in midfield has allowed Paul Pogba to flourish. Victor Lindelöf is the exception as he has yet to make a real impact.
Sitting top of the Premier League table (as of Friday) United will feel they have a strong chance of winning the title if they keep up their early season form. How do you feel about their chances?
This should at least be United’s first genuine title tilt since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. The drop off after 2013 has been remarkable and it is hard to believe for anyone who, like me, grew up in an era of United dominance, that they have not finished higher than fourth in the last four seasons. With new signings and a season working under José Mourinho, they will at the very least challenge.
The Red Devils poached Nemanja Matić from Chelsea and that already seems to have been an inspired signing. Are there any other players specifically that you think United should have gone all out for?
Aside from the blindingly obvious big names of world football, you cannot help but feel that United may come to regret not buying the wide man they had hoped for. Mourinho wanted a winger capable of filling in as a wing-back and Inter Milan’s Ivan Perišić was the ideal man. Unfortunately, the crazy market that those at the club had predicted long before the summer meant a deal was not possible and the Croatia international has now signed a new deal at the San Siro.
United are unbeaten in 32 games in all competitions at Old Trafford, and Everton are in a turbulent spell of form. Do Everton harbour any chance of causing an upset, or is the result already written?
On current form there looks only one winner, but Ronald Koeman has got the quality at his disposal to win – and they should be doing much better. If it feels to Everton fans like defeat is almost certainly on the cards or, having spent so much money, that it would be an “upset”, then something is clearly wrong.
Romelu Lukaku and Wayne Rooney switched places this window, and it certainly looks as though United got the better deal. How will the reception be for Rooney on his return to Old Trafford?
I expect Rooney will receive a great reception on Sunday. While his impact waned in his last few years at United, nobody at the club will forget what he has done in terms of trophies, appearances and goals. It is surely a matter of when rather than if his spell is formally recognised at Old Trafford.
If Everton are to cause an upset, where are the weaknesses in United’s game that the Toffees must exploit?
Pogba’s injury will disrupt what has up until now been a really impressive midfield. Matić will retain his role and Mourinho has to decide whether to play with three, like at Stoke, or remain front-loaded. Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are pushing for a start in a side where left-back is also currently an uncertain position.
How do you think José Mourinho’s men will line up?
David de Gea will obviously start in goal, with Antonio Valencia, rested against Basel in the Champions League, returning refreshed at right-back. On the opposite flank Luke Shaw is fit again and pushing for a start, although Mourinho may decide to bring him back in the Carabao Cup against Burton and instead play Daley Blind or Matteo Darmian. Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will be the centre-back pairing, with the midfield options ahead of them already discussed. Lukaku will lead the line but the attacking options Mourinho deploys behind are hard to read given the options at his disposal.
Finally, dare I ask, what is your prediction for the game?
I predict a home win but there is a reason why I am so popular with bookmakers.
Follow Simon on Twitter at @SimonPeach.
