The winds of change are blowing through Old Trafford as Manchester United prepares to host Everton in new manager Ruben Amorim’s first home Premier League match. Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt, the Portuguese tactician is still seeking his maiden domestic triumph since taking the reins from Erik ten Hag.
Standing in Amorim’s way is an Everton side that has proven a tough nut to crack in recent weeks. The Toffees have tasted defeat just once in their last six league outings, though scoring has been an issue with a meager three goals in that span. Something will have to give when these two giants of English football collide at the Theatre of Dreams.
Key Details
The action kicks off at 1:30 PM GMT (8:30 AM ET) on Sunday, December 1st. Unfortunately for UK-based fans, the match will not be televised domestically. However, those in the United States can catch all the drama on USA Network. Don’t fret if you can’t watch live – ESPN will have minute-by-minute updates to keep you in the loop.
Facts & Figures
History heavily favors the Red Devils in this fixture. United boasts a four-game Premier League winning streak against the men from Merseyside, their best run since rattling off nine straight victories between 1999 and 2004. The blue half of Liverpool hasn’t had much joy at the red half of Manchester, emerging victorious in just one of their last 33 visits dating back to 1992.
Goals have been hard to come by for Frank Lampard’s charges of late. Everton is mired in a three-match scoreless drought, their longest such dry spell since a four-game run in early 2022. They’ll hope to rediscover their shooting boots against a United defense still adapting to Amorim’s system.
Keeping clean sheets gives you the platform to be more attack-minded. We want to entertain but we also need to be hard to beat.
Ruben Amorim on balancing defense and attack
Team News
Amorim faces some key decisions in defense, with regulars Victor Lindelöf (groin) and Harry Maguire (calf) ruled out. Lisandro Martínez (back) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are doubts, possibly forcing the manager’s hand. The enigmatic Rasmus Højlund should lead the line after his brace against Glimt.
The visitors have issues of their own, with midfield dynamo James Garner sidelined by a back problem. Veteran skipper Seamus Coleman faces a late fitness test on a bothersome hamstring. The in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to spearhead the attack flanked by summer signings Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom.
This is Everton – we never get too high or too low. The game plan is always to be hard to beat.
Frank Lampard on facing Manchester United
Højlund the Key for Amorim?
Many eyes will be on the gifted Dane up top for United. Still just 21, Højlund has shown flashes of brilliance amid an inconsistent start in England. His chemistry with midfield conductor Bruno Fernandes appears to be growing by the match. How far Amorim’s troops advance this term could well hinge on the budding partnership.
Over in the Everton camp, rumors continue to swirl around star striker Viktor Gyökeres. The late-blooming Swede has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving from Coventry City in January. Reports suggest United are among a host of top clubs monitoring the powerful forward, who seems tailor-made for Ten Hag’s system. Don’t be shocked if Gyökeres has a little extra motivation to impress on Sunday.
The Impossible Job?
Stepping into the pressure cooker that is the Manchester United manager’s office is no small feat, especially for a 38-year-old in his first Premier League appointment. While Amorim’s credentials are unquestioned – three Primeira Liga titles and a UEFA Nations League speak for themselves – the scrutiny at Old Trafford is unlike anything he’s experienced.
We are growing every day in our trust and our processes, but this is Manchester United. The demands are high and we embrace that.
Ruben Amorim on the pressure of managing Manchester United
Predecessors like David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho – all experienced, proven winners – have wilted under the white-hot spotlight in M16. Even the much-ballyhooed Ten Hag era ended with more of a whimper than a bang. If Amorim is feeling the heat, he certainly isn’t showing it in his press engagements.
The Matchup
On paper, United should have too much firepower for their Merseyside guests. But as any astute observer knows, games aren’t played on paper. Amorim will hope the confidence gained from the midweek European victory carries over to kickstart their plodding league campaign.
For Everton and the wily Lampard, a classic “rope-a-dope” strategy could be in the cards. Absorb pressure, frustrate the hosts, nick a goal on the counter. Rinse, repeat. It’s a formula that has served many an underdog well at the Theatre of Dreams over the years.
A fascinating clash of styles and wills looms in Manchester. The Toffees are more than capable of making Amorim’s homecoming a day to forget. But if the Red Devils’ new commander-in-chief has his way, the Stretford End will be serenading their freshly-minted maestro with a hearty rendition of “Glory, Glory Man United” come 3:30 PM Sunday.
One thing is certain: by hook or by crook, the Amorim era starts in earnest this weekend. Buckle up, United fans. The rollercoaster ride is about to begin.
