A visit to Goodison Park on Sunday will see Manchester United presented with a golden opportunity to usurp that second place with Chelsea keeping Arsenal busy. We know now from last time out that Louis van Gaal’s side can perform to the best of their ability even when without pivotal players. Their next challenge should therefore be a walk in the park if Everton’s form had not finally peaked. Three of Read Man Utd’s writers remain optimistic ahead of the game though as they offer up their predictions.
Kane Brooker
I’d predict a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera will both net for the visitors, while Romelu Lukaku secures a consolation goal for the hosts. However, I have a slight feeling Everton could have a shock lead through the Belgian, but I can’t see them lasting the whole 90 minutes. I fully expect van Gaal to continue the tremendous form witnessed regularly prior to the Chelsea defeat, and I’d consider that little more than a blip. Should we have lined-up with our strongest XI, I believe the result would have been different.
Nonetheless, Luke Shaw looks likely to retain his full-back position, while Blind could return from injury. Marcos Rojo is an uncertainty, and could require a late fitness test. However, should they be available, it’s a clear three pointer for the Red Devils, and sending us one step closer to second place. With Arsenal facing the monumental task of Jose Mourinho and his ever-present bus, a victory against Everton could prove the difference between where we finish come the end of the season.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester (Lukaku; Rooney, Herrera)
Holly Hunt
Cruising over a 2-0 finish line in Manchester United’s favour is what I’d go for when van Gaal’s squad travel to Goodison Park. If the Red Devils can pull a performance out of the bag against the table toppers whilst injury plagued, then the trip to Merseyside should prove a doddle. However, the gaffer’s opposite number has built a side late on in the 2015/16 campaign that are now in likewise form. They’ll put up a fight but our cause is much greater than that of the Toffees’ so I’d personally back us to emerge victorious.
As for the goal scorers, I’d call one somewhat predictable and the other not so much. Fellaini and his point to prove might see him bag one of the two goals I have predicted in this encounter. It’s most likely to be buried by that wild wig of his as his performances may often be subjected to a mockery, but none can match his aerial ability. Falcao would be the counterpart clinical finisher. He may not be handed the jersey with Robin van Persie coming down from his physiotherapy plinth but I believe this could be the idyllic opportunity for our number nine, facing a lesser opponent for once and reassure the Reds’ faithful of his ability. Other returns from the side lines will bolster van Gaal’s selections, with Shaw and Blind queuing up to safeguard the flanks just to name one!
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester United (Fellaini, Falcao)
Kane Greenaway
Despite losing to Chelsea last weekend, I think we will still travel to Goodison Park full of confidence. The performance at Stamford Bridge was positive and to dominate a match there so emphatically doesn’t happen very often. We may have lost the game but it feels like the team have now clicked.
Everton will prove a difficult proposition and a trip to Goodison Park is always tricky. The Toffees are in good form and have finally started winning games consistently. We will have to be at our best to get maximum points out of the match. It won’t be easy but I’m confident we can leave on Sunday with a victory. To maintain the comfort of our position within the top four, a win is exactly what we need.
Despite Everton’s recent upturn in form, they are a shadow of the impressive outfit they were last season. The defensive stability Roberto Martinez inherited from David Moyes is now a thing of the past. United possess the attacking skill and class to hurt a vulnerable Everton defence. If we maintain our tempo and high pressing I think we’ve got a great chance on Sunday and I don’t think Martinez’s side will be able to contain us.
Van Gaal has a few selection headaches ahead of the game. Will van Persie return to the starting line-up? Or will Falcao be given another opportunity to shine up front? Depending on whether Michael Carrick or even Daley Blind returns to action, will we see Wayne Rooney restored to a striking role? Whoever the manager selects, we will be too strong for Everton. I can see us take an early lead before killing off the game with a second goal late on.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Manchester United (Falcao, Rooney)
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