Everton vs Manchester United news: Red Devils have the edge ahead of high-stakes Goodison clash

Rhodri Evans
8 April 2022

Frank Lampard and Ralf Rangnick, April 8, 2022

Saturday kicks off with a battle between two of this season’s major flops as Everton host Manchester United at Goodison Park.

The Toffees fell to a late Maxwel Cornet winner on Wednesday night as Burnley won the relegation six-pointer 3-2 at Turf Moor. The result deepened the doom and gloom that surrounds Frank Lampard's team, who find themselves just a point above the relegation zone.

Man United will welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back to the squad after the forward missed last Saturday's disappointing draw with Leicester through illness.

The Red Devils are three points adrift of Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for Champions League qualification and can't afford more slip-ups. Especially with games against Liverpool, Chelsea and the Gunners still to come.

When: Saturday, April 9, 12:30 BST

Where: Goodison Park

How to Watch: BT Sport

Who is the ref for Everton vs Manchester United?

Jonathan Moss will be the man in the middle for Saturday's clash.

The 51-year-old has officiated two highly eventful Manchester United games this season, the first being November's 4-1 defeat to Watford, while the second was their 3-2 win over Tottenham in March.

Moss has produced 48 yellow and four red cards in 20 Premier League matches, also awarding five penalties.

Referee: Jonathan Moss

Assistants: Marc Perry, Timothy Wood

Fourth official: Martin Atkinson

VAR: Andy Madley

Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart

Recent form

Everton head into the weekend having lost four of their last five games. What's more, the Toffees have only won two of their last 14 Premier League encounters.

Nevertheless, Frank Lampard will be hoping for a repeat of their last home game, which saw Alex Iwobi bag a 99th-minute winner against Newcastle.

United, in contrast, endured a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Leicester City last weekend. The result marked the continuation of the team's inconsistent form.

However, while the Red Devils might be struggling to produce wins, they're still a hard team to beat and have only lost two league games since Ralf Rangnick's arrival at Old Trafford.

Players in form

Fred is perhaps the player to have most benefited from the change in management. The player has been given a new attacking role and that paid dividends at the weekend as he scored United's opener against Leicester.

The return of top goalscorer Ronaldo is also a massive boost for the Red Devils who, in his absence, had to field Bruno Fernandes as a striker with Edinson Cavani injured and Marcus Rashford still searching for form.

Everton, in contrast, will hope Richarlison's brace of penalties against Burnley will inspire a fresh run of goals.

The Brazilian was on a nine-match Premier League goal drought ahead of his double at Turf Moor. Considering Everton have scored just four times in seven league outings, Richarlison will need to step up if the Toffees are to secure their top-flight status next season.

Last three meetings

Man Utd 1-1 Everton (Premier League - October 2, 2021)

Andros Townsend's strike earned Everton a point when the two team's last met.

Anthony Martial had put United ahead just before half-time when he curled home his first Premier League goal since February.

That result saw Everton go third in the standings - a far cry from their current position.

Man Utd 3-3 Everton (Premier League - February 6, 2021)

A 95th-minute equaliser from Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed a point for the visitors who were facing a two-goal deficit at half-time.

Goals from Cavani and Fernandes looked to have given the home side an unassailable lead, until a three-minute spell from Everton saw them level the contest.

Scott McTominay's header restored United's lead, but Calvert-Lewin's toepoke stole two points from United at the death.

Everton 1-3 Man Utd (Premier League - November 7, 2020)

Fernandes produced a first-half brace as Man United enjoyed a comprehensive win on their last visit to Goodison Park.

Bernard had put Everton in the lead, but ultimately it was the Red Devils who reigned supreme with Cavani grabbing the final goal.

Head-to-head in the Premier League

Everton wins: 9

Man Utd wins: 37

Draws: 13

Managers' thoughts

Everton boss Frank Lampard on the ongoing relegation battle: "Our players have to keep going, they're not silly. They know that they have to keep going, we have nine games to go. We're just above the zone so if we didn't know we were in a fight before then we certainly know now.

"There are nine games where we have to give absolutely everything, every ounce that we have. I will certainly do that and everybody has to do the same."

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick on the top-four race: "As long as it's mathematically possible [to qualify for the Champions League], we will try everything to win as many games as possible.

"Obviously, our position is not better after [the Leicester] result but it's our duty for ourselves, the club and the supporters to finish the season on the best possible note. That means preparing for an away game next at Goodison Park and hopefully we can win there."

Predicted Everton vs Manchester United teams

The Toffees welcome back a host of key players from injury and suspension, with Allan, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman, and Fabian Delph all expected to return to the starting XI.

Luke Shaw is a doubt for United following an early substitution against Leicester, and Cavani is still out.

Top scorer Ronaldo is back in training after missing the Leicester game.

Predicted Everton line-up: Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Keane, Kenny; Allan, Dourcoure, Iwobi, Gordon; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin

Predicted Manchester United line-up: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Telles; McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Fernandes, Elanga; Ronaldo

Everton vs Manchester United prediction

Everton are on shambolic run of form and even accounting for United's incosistency, they should travel home with all three points.

United have conceded six goals in their last two away games, so Everton should get on the scoresheet. However, Rangnick's men have enough quality to secure a win

With that in mind, an away victory with both sides scoring looks the most likely outcome.