Manchester United find themselves 12th in the Premier League table with 16 points from 12 games, a position that underscores the magnitude of the rebuilding effort facing their new manager, Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician has stepped into the hot seat at Old Trafford with the daunting task of pulling the Red Devils out of a slump that has persisted for over a year under the previous regime of Erik ten Hag. While there have been glimpses of progress since Amorim’s arrival, his early games in charge have exposed the scale of the challenge ahead.

The squad, as it stands, requires a significant overhaul, which is likely to take several transfer windows. Numerous players fall short of the standards expected at an elite club, but there are pockets of quality that Amorim can work with. André Onana and Noussair Mazraoui have been standout performers this season, showcasing consistency and quality in a team struggling to find its rhythm. Amorim also holds high hopes for Mason Mount, a player he admires greatly. Mount’s midweek performance in the Europa League hinted at a resurgence, and his ability to stay fit could be pivotal to United’s aspirations.

Injuries have been a persistent issue for United, but there are signs of relief. Kobbie Mainoo is back in action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and Leny Yoro is nearing a return from an injury that has kept him out all season. While the road back to the summit of English football is long, there is cautious optimism among United fans that Amorim’s vision could eventually steer them back to glory.

Meanwhile, Everton occupy 15th place in the Premier League with 11 points from 12 games. The mood at Goodison Park is far less hopeful, with tensions high between the fans and the team. In what is set to be their final season at Goodison, the supporters crave a memorable send-off, but the lackluster performances on the pitch have cast a shadow over the campaign.

The summer departure of Amadou Onana and minimal reinforcements have left Sean Dyche managing a squad that is glaringly short on attacking firepower. Everton have managed just ten goals in 12 league matches, a tally better than only Southampton, and their attacking patterns have been heavily criticized for being predictable and uninspired. The club’s recent takeover by the Friedkin Group, owners of AS Roma, has also thrown Dyche’s future into doubt, with speculation rife that the new owners are eyeing a managerial change. While the squad’s defensive solidity is commendable, it’s hard to envision Everton avoiding a relegation battle this season, regardless of who is in charge.

Recent form further highlights the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. Manchester United have shown signs of recovery, winning three and drawing two of their last five matches. Their most recent game saw them edge Bodø/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League, with Rasmus Højlund’s brace securing the comeback after an early setback. This followed a 1-1 draw at Ipswich and a commanding 3-0 win over Leicester City, showcasing their ability to score consistently.

Everton, on the other hand, are winless in their last four matches and have failed to score in their previous three. Their latest outing, a 0-0 draw with Brentford, epitomized their struggles in attack, even against a side reduced to ten men for much of the game. Similar goalless draws against West Ham and a loss to Southampton highlight their lack of cutting edge.

Historically, Manchester United have dominated this fixture, winning their last five meetings with Everton and keeping clean sheets in the most recent three. United’s attack has been a bright spot, with the Red Devils scoring first in each of their last five games and in eight of their previous ten encounters with the Toffees. Everton, by contrast, continue to struggle in front of goal, and their inability to find the net in three consecutive matches speaks volumes about their ongoing issues.

As United look to build momentum under Amorim, and Everton strive to find some spark amid growing uncertainty, this clash at Old Trafford could underline the growing divide between the two sides. With the Red Devils in better form and boasting an impressive record in this fixture, they’ll be strong favorites to secure a crucial victory and further cement their gradual resurgence.

Matchoutlook Prediction : Home Win (2-0)