United won with six changes in midweek
United won with six changes in midweek
Manchester United are back at Old Trafford today for the first of nine games in 30 days in December as they look to end a gruelling year on an upbeat note.
United got their first win under new head coach Ruben Amorim on Thursday and are seeking their first in the Premier League on the Portuguese's watch against Everton.
Centre backs Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans could all still be unavailable after their absences against Bodo/Glimt three days ago but Amorim has a fullish squad to select from.
With United and Everton fans scheduled to protest against scandalous ticket price increases before kick-off, it is worth keeping an eye out off the pitch as much as on it.
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Here are five things to look out for:
How many more changes?
Amorim reiterated again on Thursday night United "have to rotate the team". Six changes against Bodo/Glimt was more than expected and he could stray close to that number against Everton.
Rasmus Hojlund was "dead" after a 90-minute shift and some of the substitutions were made with today's game in mind. Diogo Dalot, Amad and Marcus Rashford will all be relatively fresh after their second-half appearances. Christian Eriksen did not play at all and United are certain to have the majority of possession this afternoon.
Who will have the ball?
"We need to have the ball because we have a short time to recover," Amorim stressed. It is curious that Kobbie Mainoo has been completely unused in the Portuguese's first two games in charge when United would benefit from a conductor in midfield against shot-shy Everton.
Mainoo's full Premier League debut was a memorable one in a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park 12 months ago but he is unlikely to be parachuted back into the starting XI eight weeks on from his last outing at Villa Park. Eriksen is an option or Bruno Fernandes could continue in a deeper role. Fernandes was especially excellent there against Everton at Old Trafford last season and the season before.
Mason Mounting a comeback?
After a first start in 96 days in midweek today could be Mason Mount's first Premier League start in 99 days. His last one - at Brighton - was his most impressive for United yet it was cut short by injury.
Mount lasted just shy of an hour against Bodo and his removal was possibly as much to preserve him for today as it was to manage his return. Amorim has waxed lyrical about Mount in successive weeks and he looked comfortable as one of the two 10s behind Hojlund.
Eyes on Branthwaite
United had two offers of £43million and £50m rejected for Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer before they made Leny Yoro their marquee 'potential' signing. Branthwaite, like Yoro, has had his fair share of injury problems and has only made three starts this term.
His return has coincided with Everton keeping two successive clean sheets. They did not score at the other end, mind, and played more than a half against ten-man Brentford last week.
Branthwaite, 22, will inevitably leave Everton for big money but maybe not as big as the £70m they held out for in the summer. United will need to sign probably two centre backs next year and Branthwaite still fits the bill.
Amad to cement his place?
Amad will be in the majority of United fans' starting XIs today and his selection would confirm his first-team status under the new head coach. Today should be Amad's fourth start in five games and he was very clearly rested on Thursday night.
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