This Sunday, September 6, the Premier League's third round brings us a match already labelled the 'Derby David Moyes' by British media. Everton will entertain Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Leading into this encounter, both clubs have had contrasting fortunes in their previous matches. The Toffees are holding onto an unbeaten streak after a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, while the Red Devils bounced back in style from a shaky start to the season, demolishing Ipswich Town 5-2.
The star of the show for United was captain Bruno Fernandes, who netted a stunning hat-trick. His continued presence in the squad, especially amid significant transfer activity from rivals, is being hailed as one of the best decisions from the United hierarchy.
Under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, the Mancunians have amassed 42 points — more than any other Premier League team over a comparable period. Should he clinch victory in the upcoming match, Carrick will join an elite group as just the sixth manager in the competition's history to reach 45 points from his first 20 games at the helm of a single club.
For David Moyes, fixtures against Manchester United have historically proven challenging, with the Scotsman suffering 23 defeats to this opponent in the Premier League — a record only surpassed by those against Harry Redknapp’s teams. However, the start of the season has shown signs of promise for Everton: a victory over Crystal Palace, success in the League Cup against Preston North End, and a draw with Bournemouth.
Squad news
Manchester United will be without new signing Carlos Baleba due to an ankle injury. The injury list also includes Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo, while the participation of Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Tom Heaton remains uncertain.
Everton have bolstered their ranks by loaning Jack Grealish from Manchester City, who could feature in the starting lineup. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has also joined the squad, although Christian Nergor continues his recovery from injury.
