Everton vs Manchester United Preview: Course correction time for the Red Devils against injury-riddled Toffees
No one wants to be in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shoes right now. And for all the motivation, the faith, and the belief in a team, United have just been inconsistent and it's hurting them. After a string of wins, they have actually put together a couple of losses— a 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League. The side is erratic and this is a nightmare for any gaffer as there is no idea which United squad turns up on matchday.
When they face Everton on Saturday (November 7) at Goodison Park, they will be aware they're against a side that was the leader on the standings table until the international break. Everton has four wins in seven games and is placed fourth on the points table, while United are yet to break into the top 10, their job isn't any easy against Carlo Ancelotti's men who have played some class football this season. However, injury issues plague the Toffees and that's the window of opportunity for Solskjaer to explore.
With defenders Seamus Coleman and Mason Holgate are on the injury roster. Jean-Philippe Gbamin will join the duo and will be sitting out of the game and that's already three good players on the bench for Ancelotto. James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne are still in doubt despite the manager confident of seeing his Colombian star back into the fold. They are a formidable side at home and their hard-fought drawn game against Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby is ample proof.
For Solskjaer, the return of Anthony Martial will serve as a major boost. The Frenchman has now completed his three-match ban after picking up a red card against Tottenham Hotspur and will be keen to extend his decent Champions League run. While a draw might see the Norweighan manager get another shot, a loss would just probably see him sacked. With calls getting louder, the Everton clash is crucial for the gaffer and his boys.
Ancelotti's side has lost just one of their last 15 games on their home turf and have scored 18 goals while safeguarding their fortress. United will have to fall back on their Champions League performances for some motivation and take the attack to Everton, which they in fact can, considering the opposition will bring in new faces to the side. For now, the pressure is on the Red Devils and only time will tell if they can reverse their fortunes.
Everton versus Manchester United can be watched live on NBCSN at 7:30 AM ET on Saturday, November 7, 2020.
