The Storylines
Everton opened their home campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and will fancy their chances of building on that as Manchester United make the trip to Merseyside. David Moyes is targeting a genuine push for continental football this season after Everton settled for 13th place last time out, and a positive start at home gives the club momentum heading into matchday three.
Manchester United, by contrast, arrive off the back of a damaging start under permanent head coach Michael Carrick, who was confirmed in the role after guiding the club to third place last season following Ruben Amorims January dismissal. United lost their opening fixture 2-0 away at newly-promoted Hull City, with Carrick insisting afterwards that the defeat "wont change our course." A response on the road at Everton is now essential to settle any early-season nerves.
Team Snapshot
Everton
Moyes has strengthened his midfield options with the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, the reigning Championship Player of the Season, while winger Tyrique Georges loan from Chelsea has been made permanent in a deal worth more than £20m. Merlin Rohls loan has also been converted into a permanent transfer, adding further depth to a squad aiming to build on last seasons mid-table finish.
Manchester United
United brought in Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa over the summer and have been strongly linked with a move for Carlos Baleba to further reinforce midfield, while striker Rasmus Hojlund completed a permanent move to Napoli. Carricks side will be desperate to put the Hull City result behind them quickly, with a repeat of last seasons third-place form the clear target under their now-permanent head coach.
Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Why he matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrique George | Everton | Permanent move from Chelsea completed; a player Moyes already knows well |
| Hayden Hackney | Everton | Reigning Championship Player of the Season, signed to add midfield energy |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | Uniteds talisman and captain, needs to lead a response after the Hull defeat |
| Youri Tielemans | Manchester United | Summer arrival from Aston Villa, adding experience in central midfield |
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