Everton vs Manchester United: Match preview, team news and prediction
By Joel Masibo, September 5, 2026Everton will host Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon, September 6, 2026 as both sides look to strengthen their early-season Premier League campaigns.
The fixture, scheduled for 2:00 pm BT, pits David Moyes against his former club, with Everton entering the contest unbeaten in their opening two league matches. The Toffees drew 1-1 away to Bournemouth in their previous outing after beginning the campaign with victory over Crystal Palace.
Manchester United, meanwhile, responded impressively to their opening-day setback against newly promoted Hull City. The Red Devils produced an attacking masterclass at Old Trafford last weekend, coming from behind to beat Ipswich Town 5-2.
United looking to build momentum
United were initially stunned by Leif Davis’s early goal against Ipswich, raising memories of their disappointing defeat to Hull in their opening fixture.
The response, however, was emphatic. Bruno Fernandes took control of the contest, scoring three times, while Jacob Greaves turned the ball into his own net and Bryan Mbeumo also found the target as United completed a seven-goal thriller.
Fernandes continues to be a central figure for the Manchester side. Retaining the services of the PFA Player of the Year could prove particularly valuable after a summer transfer market dominated by huge spending.
United’s victory over Ipswich lifted them into the upper half of the standings and extended their impressive record since Michael Carrick took charge. They have collected 42 points during his tenure, the highest total achieved by any Premier League side over that period.
Carrick could also reach another landmark if United claim three points, potentially becoming only the sixth manager to collect 45 points from his opening 20 league matches in a single spell at a club.
There is also an encouraging historical statistic for United. The last occasion on which they conceded the opening goal in each of their first three Premier League games of a campaign was the 2012-13 season.
That season also included a 1-0 defeat away to Everton, although Moyes was still managing the Toffees at the time before eventually succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Moyes faces familiar opposition
Moyes will understandably have mixed memories of facing Manchester United.
The Everton manager has been beaten by United 23 times in Premier League matches during his managerial career, with only Harry Redknapp having suffered more defeats against the club.
Nevertheless, Moyes has overseen a positive start to the current campaign. Everton defeated Crystal Palace on the opening weekend, overcame Preston North End in the EFL Cup and then secured a point against Bournemouth after recovering from behind.
The club’s supporters have endured considerable frustration surrounding events off the pitch, particularly following a difficult conclusion to the transfer window. On the field, however, Everton have the opportunity to record consecutive Premier League victories at their new stadium.
The Toffees have not won their first two home league matches of a season since the 2021-22 campaign.
United have already visited the Hill Dickinson Stadium this year, winning 1-0 in February. That result effectively returned the favour after Everton had beaten United by the same scoreline at Old Trafford in November.
Team news
Manchester United will have to cope without several players.
New signing Carlos Baleba, who arrived for a reported £70m, was introduced to supporters before the Ipswich victory but will not make his debut yet because of an ankle problem.
Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo are also ruled out with knee and ankle injuries respectively. Matthijs de Ligt is another doubt because of a back issue.
Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and goalkeeper Tom Heaton will all face late fitness assessments before the match.
Fernandes will have another opportunity to add to his impressive record against Everton. The Portuguese midfielder has been directly involved in 11 Premier League goals against the Toffees, matching the record held by United legends Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
Everton could hand Jack Grealish an immediate starting opportunity after bringing the England international back to Merseyside on loan from Manchester City on deadline day.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who also recently joined the club, could feature, although Christian Norgaard remains a fitness concern.
With Iliman Ndiaye having moved to Manchester City, Brennan Johnson could be deployed on the right side of the attack. Thierno Barry is also expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility following Beto’s departure for Fiorentina and the collapse of Folarin Balogun’s proposed transfer.
Possible Everton XI
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.
Possible Manchester United XI
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
Prediction
Everton and Manchester United have both produced six direct attacking sequences after two league matches, suggesting Sunday’s encounter could provide plenty of opportunities in the final third.
Everton’s unbeaten start means they should provide a stern challenge, particularly on home soil. However, United’s response to their defeat against Hull and the attacking quality displayed against Ipswich could give them the advantage.
With Fernandes in influential form and United appearing to have regained their confidence, the visitors could edge a competitive encounter.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester United.