Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday in what will be Ruben Amorim’s first Premier League game in front of home support.
After an entertaining midweek win against Boodo/Glimt in the Europa League, Amorim will be expected to continue that theme against a struggling Everton side.
United’s new head coach has hinted at rotation of his squad but will continue with his much discussed 3-4-3 formation.
The visitors’ major threat will come from aerial balls meaning Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt will be needed in the middle of the back three with Noussair Mazroui also likely to start on the right of the centre-back due to his height alongside his fine form.
United will do the opposite and look to build through the lines via the quality of the centre-backs and in the middle of the park.
Whilst Everton will be well organised and tough to break down, United quality in attacking areas should allow them to create chances and it will then come down to their efficiency in front of goal.
Bruno Fernandes will be creator-in-cheif in the pockets and whoever joins the captain in backing up Rasmus Hojlund will be key in making chances for United’s number 9.
Hojlund notched a notable brace in Thursday’s win including one finely taken finish to draw United level and the young striker will be licking his lips at the prospect of adding to his numbers on Sunday.
The Dane is no doubt United’s best option at the main point of attack and fans are hoping Amorim can help him produce the kind of form seen by Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting.
Whilst he might be unpolished, Hojlund is dangerous and his physicality will also be a factor tomorrow with Everton’s experienced centre-halves built for a battle that the United man will need to win.
Sean Dyche’s men are weak in wide defensive positions which should prove fruitful for the attacking wing-back in Amorim’s system or the additional attacker in the side who will be given license to drift and exploit the fragility on the wings.
As ever, concentration will be key to United’s performance, with the team being accused of switching off at times and causing their own issues by giving the ball away cheaply via sloppy passing in their own half.
Should United switch on from the start, Amorim will believe he is highly likely to register his first win in the Premier League and start United’s pursuit of the teams above them as they attempt to climb the table and hunt down the European places in the league.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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