After their dramatic late win over Villarreal in midweek, Manchester United return to Premier League action looking for a semblance of the quiet life against Everton. Four of United’s last five matches have involved goals or dramatic moments in the closing stages and although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side came out on top on Wednesday, he will know it is not a recipe for success.
Certainly not against an Everton side who have, aside from nine minutes against Aston Villa, looked solid and hard to break down under new manager Rafael Benitez. If results go right for the Toffees this weekend they could find themselves right near the top of the table. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 2 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Old Trafford — Manchester, United Kingdom
- TV: NBCSN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
- Odds: Manchester United -200; Draw +320; Everton +600 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
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Storylines
Manchester United: The years of waiting for Jadon Sancho to emerge as a superstar at Old Trafford seem not to have ended with his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. A slow start to life in the Premier League means that the young winger finds himself the topic of conversation for all the wrong reasons. He could do with a performance to change the narrative heading into the international break, not least after Gareth Southgate said that Sancho had not earned a spot in the England squad even after naming him in it.
“Does he deserve to be in on these performances over the last few weeks? Well, probably not,” Southgate said. “But I think we feel we have invested in Jadon over a period of time, we believe he can get to a high level. I would like some time with him to chat with him and help that process that’s going on at Manchester United as well and I think for him to feel that we have belief in him at this point is a good message.”
Everton: Nobody better typifies Everton’s surprisingly impressive start to the season than Andros Townsend, a surprisingly impressive performer since being picked up on a free from Crystal Palace. His tally of four goals and three assists is, you guessed it, surprisingly impressive.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison battling injuries, the 30 year old may have to take on a bigger role in the Toffees offensive production at Old Trafford. Certainly he will give Alex Telles something to think about with and without the ball. Once a wasteful high volume shooter from range, Townsend seems to have redefined himself as a high-pressing, energy first menace who can win the ball back and do something dangerous with it. That could be vital for Everton.
Prediction
There is only so often Manchester United can rely on individual brilliance and vibes. Their lack of a plan will cost them eventually. Why not against Everton? PICK: Manchester United 1 Everton 2
