Everton is poised to welcome Manchester United to Hill Dickinson Stadium this Sunday, with aspirations of maintaining their impressive unbeaten run early in the new season. Under the guidance of David Moyes, the Toffees currently occupy seventh place in the league standings, having secured a victory and a draw in their initial two fixtures. This particular encounter holds added significance for Moyes, who previously managed Manchester United between 2013 and 2014. His past record against his former club sees him with 23 Premier League defeats, putting him just one shy of Harry Redknapp's record for the most losses against a single club in the competition. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams eager to secure a crucial win and build momentum in the early stages of the campaign.
The team news for Everton indicates a relatively fit squad, with Christian Norgaard being the sole confirmed absentee due to injury. However, the transfer deadline day brought notable changes to the squad. Iliman Ndiaye departed for Manchester City in a significant £65 million deal, while a proposed transfer for Folarin Balogun from Monaco fell through after the American forward withdrew following his medical examination. In terms of new arrivals, Jack Grealish made a return to the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City, arriving on the same day Ndiaye left. Grealish is anticipated to start on the left wing, replacing Tyrique George, whose recent performance against Bournemouth was deemed underwhelming. Brennan Johnson is expected to step into the creative role vacated by Ndiaye, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles, another deadline day signing from Lyon, is likely to make his debut from the bench.
For the upcoming clash, Everton's possible starting XI is predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defense is expected to feature Pickford in goal, protected by a back four of O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, and Mykolenko. The midfield pivot will likely consist of Garner and Armstrong, providing a strong base. Further up the pitch, the attacking midfield roles are anticipated to be filled by Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, and Grealish, who will be tasked with creating opportunities for the lone striker, Barry. This lineup suggests a blend of defensive solidity and creative flair, aiming to exploit Manchester United's weaknesses and capitalize on their home advantage.
The highly anticipated Premier League match is scheduled to kick off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Football enthusiasts in the UK will be able to catch all the action live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with comprehensive coverage commencing an hour earlier at 13:00 GMT. Fans are eager to see how Everton's new-look squad performs against a formidable Manchester United side, especially with David Moyes looking to avoid extending his personal record of defeats against his former club. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy on the pitch.
As Everton prepares to face Manchester United, the focus remains on leveraging their home advantage and the strategic changes implemented after the transfer window. The blend of seasoned players and new recruits aims to secure a pivotal victory that could propel them further up the Premier League table. With tactical adjustments and key players in new roles, Everton is set to deliver a competitive performance against a strong opponent, making this a must-watch fixture for football fans.