The gates of Everton’s new stadium opened for the first time earlier this week, the latest reminder that our days at Goodison Park are coming to an end. The antics and frustrations on the pitch in the first half of this season served as a distraction to many. Now with only 6 more games to go at the Old Lady, reality begins to set in…
10,000 Evertonians got to experience the ‘luxury’ of the new ground on Monday. Public transport, parking and result aside the overwhelming feedback has been that this is a stadium set to help the club reach new heights. On the pitch, a win over Crystal Palace last weekend sees Everton at the dizzying heights of 14th. David Moyes has Everton 13 points clear of the relegation zone and 9 points of the top 8 (Europe anyone?). There finally feels like reason to celebrate or at least breathe a sigh of relief, after a number of years circling the drain at the foot of the table, the return of David Moyes has brought with it the memories and expectations that the club can fight to be what it once was at the dawn of this next chapter in our history.
Everton host the team directly below them in the league on Saturday. Manchester United visit Goodison Park for the final time a place and a point behind The Toffees. Another of David Moyes’ former sides arrive on Merseyside in need of a vital win. A victory for Everton this weekend could have them reaching towards the top half of the table a defeat, whilst far from catastrophic, will feel deflating given the struggles of Amorin’s side.
If You Know Your History… Everton v Man Utd Through the Years
April 9th 2022 was the last time Everton beat Manchester United. A 1-0 win at Goodison as Frank Lampard’s side continued to fight for their Premier League status. Antony Gordon scored the only goal in what was a scrappy game. Since then Everton have lost 6 consecutive games against United and have failed to score in the last 4 of those games.
Arguably Everton in the in-form side compared to this weekend’s opponents. Manchester United have only won 4 Premier League games since Ruben Amorin was appointed back in November 2024. 1 of those 4 was a thumping 4-0 win over Sean Dyche’s Everton at Old Trafford.
This weekend will see the 215th meeting between Everton and Manchester United and the final one at Goodison Park. Dating back to 1892, Everton have secured 71 victories over the Red Devils in all competitions. Whereas United have 96 wins over The Toffees. The sides have finished all-square in 47 of their previous encounters.
Despite the recent form between the two sides, Everton have some great memories against Manchester United. Most notably the 1995 FA Cup Final, which saw Everton win 1-0 in what is the last time Everton lifted a major trophy. In more recent years David Moyes’ Everton saw off Manchester United on their way to the 2009 Final defeat to Chelsea. Where a heavily depleted Everton side bested Sir Alex’s title-winning reds on penalties at Wembley.
David Moyes is the only manager in the post-war era to manage both Everton and Manchester United. He will have far happier memories as Everton boss in this fixture. He faced Everton twice as Manchester United manager, seeing Everton do their first double over United since the late 1960’s.
Team News
Abdoulaye Doucoure returns from his suspension and could go straight back into the starting XI. Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermitti are both back on the grass but unlikely to feature tomorrow. David Moyes confirmed that Ndiaye could return ahead of schedule but is out of this weekend’s tie.Dominic Calvert Lewin, Armando Broja, Dwight McNeil and Seamus Coleman also all remain out with injuries.
Manchester United are without several key players heading into this weekend’s game against Everton. Notably Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo, who are both out with long-term injuries. Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans all remain unavailable through injury. Leny Yoro, Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte could feature this weekend.
What the Manager Says
Moyes on Recent Results – It sounds simple to say to get another two wins and you might be over the line. When you are sat in this seat every win in the Premier League is really difficult. We are not taking it for granted. We’ve had a really good run.
Moyes on Beto – Beto has been given a big opportunity, he’s stood up and taken it. I think he’s improved in the games as he’s gone along.
Everton Key Player
Idrissa Gana Gueye – Aging like a fine-wine and saying farewell to Goodison Park by covering every blade of grass in the stadium. As with the manager, you could argue that we spent years trying to replace Gana and ended up replacing him with him. There is no doubt that Gana has been an anchor in midfield this season. So key to the defensive successes of Dyche-ball but now even more critical to the transition play under Moyes. This weekend’s game will be won and lost in the midfield. The contrasting styles and fortunes of the two sides will likely see a game that is decided by whose midfield can get hold of, keep and control the ball. Goals and assists are not what we are looking for from Gana. It is simply his ability to facilitate this for those around him. He also seems to form natural partnerships with whoever is alongside him in the middle of the park. Last season it was Onana, this season looked promising with Magala and now a returning James Garner looks more assured alongside the veteran midfielder. This goes without saying but Gana would be top of my list when it comes to out of contract players who need to be offered an extension. His experience and ability would be tough to replace.
One to Watch for Manchester United:
Bruno Fernandes – Is he the most unlikable player in the Premier League? The Manchester United captain seems to love scoring against Everton and on his day can pull the strings in midfield against the best of opposition. Despite United’s recent form Fernandes is a top player, capable of hurting any side. The midfielder will be a handful for Everton’s midfield and defence tomorrow and he’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on. Everton knowing what to expect from him in the system of the new manager will be half the battle. Whilst it appears the system United are playing is not changing anytime soon, it certainly does not mean that Everton can take their opponents lightly. Underestimate them and this man in particular at your peril.
Final Thoughts
This resurgence we are seeing under David Moyes is not just simply a case of playing with confidence. For me, Moyes has given us an Everton that plays without fear. Yes, we are seeing a more confident Everton. That is evident from the noise from the stands and the performances on the pitch. However, there is a real sense of togetherness amongst this group now. A belief in themselves to take on any opponent. To play against the odds and go toe-to-toe with any opponent. The Merseyside Derby showed the never-say-die attitude and it also showed a fight for a well-deserved point, rather than grinding out 0-0 draws. With this in mind I’d hope for a strong showing this weekend. The bar is being raised in every game under Moyes and the next test is being able to see off a team who always seem to get the best of us, regardless of their form.
Prediction
3-1. It was 15-years ago that David Moyes’ Everton beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s in-form Manchester United 3-1 at Goodison Park in the lunchtime kick-off. Goals from Bilyaletdinov, Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell gave The Toffees a well deserved win in the early Spring sunshine. Here’s hoping the sun is shining down on Goodison Park again this weekend. I am backing a repeat scoreline. I can see this going in a very similar way as the Spurs game from a few weeks ago. I expect Everton to play without fear, I expect them to exploit a fragile Manchester United and I feel that the goal-scoring machine Beto will bag another two goals.
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