It's matchday again, with the final of four consecutive matches being held at Old Trafford prior to the second international break of the campaign. To Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's frustration, it's another Saturday lunchtime kickoff - with a quick turnaround from the action on Wednesday night against Villarreal.
After grabbing three points at the death against the Spanish outfit during the week, it is hoped that United will manage to hit another purple patch of form following some underwhelming showings of late. It was a woeful display against Villa last weekend as the reds admittedly deservedly fell to a late Kortney Hause header, with the overall performance not massively improved against Villarreal. Nevertheless, the acquisition of maximum points on Wednesday will hopefully act as a catalyst for further development.
Despite dropping three points last Saturday, United remain 4th in the Premier League; they find themselves level with City and Chelsea ahead, whilst edging today's opponents Everton and Brighton on goal difference. Liverpool head the standings by a point at this stage, remaining the only side with an unbeaten start.
The last eight losses in the Premier League have now come at Old Trafford for United. The reds could go nine consecutive top-flight home matches without a clean sheet if they concede later on, the longest run since the 1970/71 season. David de Gea has nonetheless been key for Solskjaer's side recently, pivotal in avoiding a worse spell of results.
United have been bolstered by Marcus Rashford's return to full training yesterday, with Solskjaer admitting, "There were a few tackles flying in on him and he seemed okay, which was nice to see." The winger won't be involved against Everton, but seemingly targets a return after the international break - which appears feasible.
The boss is unsure as to Luke Shaw’s availability, with the left back having suffered from an illness this week in conjunction to the knock to his shoulder sustained against Villa. It is, however, a boost that "Luke feels better in himself." He was spotted with the squad as they arrived at the team hotel, but there remains a high chance Alex Telles may start. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is available again following European suspension in midweek.
Jesse Lingard wasn't at the hotel with the team, but it appears he was celebrating his daughter's birthday (and will likely join the group in the morning). Harry Maguire remains absent, whilst Amad is still not ready for a return.
For Everton, they are missing two key players in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes are sidelined for the Toffees. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is fit to return, but Alex Iwobi is set to miss out.
Everton have matched United's league record of four wins accompanied by a single draw and a defeat so far this season, seeing them just fall short of the reds on goal difference. They opened their campaign with three wins in four, before suffering their first defeat in forgettable fashion at Villa Park on gameweek five. They responded well last weekend, though, beating bottom of the table Norwich 2-0.
Ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's return to Merseyside was certainly controversial, but his tenure has been a relative success with the blue side thus far. Summer signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have proven bargains for the Spaniard, playing their hand in many of the moments that see Everton a point off the league lead. Forgetting a third round Carabao Cup exit to QPR on penalties, Carlo Ancelotti's summer managerial replacement can be content with the start his side have made under his reign.
Everton haven't lost consecutive away matches since November, but have only managed to win twice in 29 meetings amidst United dominance at Old Trafford in this fixture. However, the blues are bidding to remain unbeaten in three successive matches at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since 1991.
The reds will be encouraged by the Toffes' concession of 10 goals in their last four league matches on the road, as many as they conceded in the 14 games prior. In all competitions, United have only lost once to Everton in the last 14 matches.
Amidst an average 10th place finish for Everton last season, United remained unbeaten over three encounters between the sides. It was double delight at Goodison for Solskjaer, with a 3-1 league victory followed up by a 2-0 Carabao Cup win just over a month later. United will undoubtedly feel it should've been three wins, though, with Calvert-Lewin's last gasp equaliser seeing the reds robbed of three points. The sides also met in pre-season back in early August, with an emphatic 4-0 United victory offering plenty of encouragement for what's to come today.
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