In what now looks to be a tough encounter, Manchester United take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
The Toffees squad have been in excellent form anyway, which was always going to be a problem for Erik ten Hag, but an external act may push them even harder to defeat the Red Devils.
Senan Dyche’s side were hit with a ten-point deduction from the Premier League this week, thanks to breaches in Financial Fair Play rules. They’ll likely be angry, fired up and ready to win at all costs.
This is why Manchester United must field their strongest, grittiest side at Goodison Park. We think this involves a never-before-seen midfield three.
Erik ten Hag should start all-new midfield three vs Everton
Manchester United should line up with the following three stars in the centre of the park in Merseyside.
- Kobbie Mainoo
- Scott McTominay
- Bruno Fernandes
We think this will be able to combat the heat we’re set to face against an in-form Toffees setup.
Their danger man? Amadou Onana – who needs to be suppressed. The big Belgian can dictate games if he’s allowed to.
His boisterous nature has proven perfect for the Premier League, which yields no shock that he’s even linked to the red side of Manchester.
Bruno Fernandes will be essential in stopping the 22-year-old in the initial phase. Bruno is a notoriously hard worker and will need to stop the Belgian’s driving runs from the source, which is when he picks up the ball off the backline.
Scott McTominay is also a competent defender, who can back up the captain in a high press, with the last line of defence in the midfield being Kobbie Mainoo.
The English teen may be the only dubious pick in this midfield, but we think overall – a correct one.
Is Kobbie Mainoo fit for Man Utd vs Everton?
Mainoo has been on the road to recovery since an injury sustained for Manchester United in pre-season.
Recently, he’s been dazzling for England U19s over the international break. The 18-year-old played a part in all three fixtures.
He came off the bench in a 6-0 rout vs Romania, played 76 minutes in a dramatic win against Japan and then, in his finest hour, captained the young Three Lions to silverware in Marbella, with two assists.
He looked fit as a fiddle in these games and, with Casemiro out, we reckon he’s more than capable of stepping up right now.
It would be a bold call after so much time on the sidelines, but with dwindling numbers in Ten Hag’s regime… he may not have much choice.
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