Manchester United are set to host Everton in the Premier League next Monday.
United head coach Ruben Amorim will be looking to build momentum and keep his five-match unbeaten streak alive.
The Toffees will also arrive with confidence after their 2–0 victory over Fulham before the November international break.
The United players cannot become complacent and must target maximum points in this fixture.
Amorim may need to look to recent history for inspiration, specifically by unleashing captain Bruno Fernandes in his most devastating role.
Fernandes has an exceptional record against the Merseyside club.
He has six goals and five assists to his name in 11 Premier League encounters against Everton.
He has tasted defeat only once against the Merseyside club, a narrow 1–0 loss in the 2021–22 reverse fixture.
Everton are among his favourite opponents, and the Portuguese playmaker should be restored to his preferred number 10 position.
Amorim has deployed his captain deeper in a midfield pivot this campaign, allowing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to operate in advanced roles.
With Benjamin Sesko sidelined due to a knee injury, the United head coach has an opportunity to reshuffle.
He should give Cunha the responsibility to lead the line and move Fernandes behind the Brazilian with Mbeumo on the right side.
The £40 million-rated midfield maestro delivered a sensational display when he started in the number 10 role for Portugal’s 9-1 win over Armenia.
He bagged a hat-trick and played key roles in creating multiple goals.
While Amorim has remained loyal to his 3-4-3 system, he has shown a willingness to adapt and tweak his starting XI based on the opposition.
Against Everton, freeing Fernandes to roam between the lines could be the decisive move.
Fernandes is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world and the upcoming clash may be tailor-made for him to take centre stage once again.
Stats from Transfermarkt.co.uk