Manchester United finally return to action after a long international break, facing Everton at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United have an opportunity to leap up the Premier League table with a victory against Everton.
A victory would take United into fourth or fifth place, depending on goal difference.
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Former manager David Moyes’ stubborn Everton side will be difficult opponents, as we learned recently with a 2-2 draw against them in pre-season.
Ahead of the fixture, here are three things we want to know…
Who will start up front?
Joshua Zirkzee with hands on hips playing for Manchester United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Who should start as striker for Man Utd with Benjamin Sesko injured?
An injury to Benjamin Sesko has left Manchester United with a problem to solve up front. Matheus Cunha has suffered a knock ahead of the game too, although could still be involved.
Amorim has been comfortable playing without a striker this season, but this could be time to reintroduce Joshua Zirkzee to the starting XI, for the first time this season.
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Zirkzee netted twice at home to Everton last year, and this feels like a pivotal opportunity for him.
There is also a possibility that young talent Chido Obi could be called up, to at least make the bench for the first time this season.
Amorim has had a fortnight to prepare for this situation, and we would like to see Obi get the call-up to the squad, with five goals to his name for the under-21s so far this season.
Will Lisandro Martinez be involved?
Manchester United do have the option to include Lisandro Martinez in the squad for the first time this season.
Martinez is back training with the first team squad after tearing his ACL at the start of 2025.
He did start for United in the win over Everton a year ago, but we do not expect that to be an option this time around.
Realistically the best Martinez can hope for is a place on the bench. Even this could be too soon.
Martinez’s involvement, or lack of, will show us where he is in his recovery.
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Can Mason Mount get back on track?
At the start of the season Mason Mount was one of Manchester United’s best players, before the dreaded injury curse struck.
Mount returned to the squad before the break but was not involved as a starter. He has had an extra two weeks to get match fit since United’s last game.
The injury to Sesko enhances Mount’s chances of being back in the starting line-up. United may need him.
Are you confident Manchester United will beat Everton?
Mount actually scored against Everton in the pre-season game in the USA, kicking off his impressive start to the season.
He will be seeking to get back on track, and it will be a major boost for United if he can pick up where he left off before his injury.