United arrive at the Hill Dickinson tomorrow with three points from their opening two games – and after two very different performances.
Evertonians hardly need an introduction to United, so this edition of Meet our opponents is instead about the team David Moyes will actually face: what has changed, who is in form and where the danger may come from.
How have United started?
Michael Carrick’s side suffered a poor opening defeat at promoted Hull City before responding emphatically against Ipswich Town.
Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of the 5-2 victory at Old Trafford, scoring a hat-trick as United registered 33 attempts on goal.
| United’s Premier League season | Result |
|---|---|
| Hull City v Man Utd | 2-0 |
| Man Utd v Ipswich Town | 5-2 |
| Record | P2 W1 D0 L1 |
| Goals | 5-4 |
That leaves United difficult to assess after only two games, although their form under Carrick stretches considerably further back.
Tomorrow will be the 20th Premier League match of his second spell in charge, and United have collected 42 points during that period.
What’s changed at United?
Midfield was the focus of United’s summer.
Carlos Baleba arrived from Brighton for £70million, Andrey Santos joined from Chelsea for £50million and Youri Tielemans cost £35million from Aston Villa.
| Major arrival | From |
|---|---|
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton |
| Andrey Santos | Chelsea |
| Youri Tielemans | Aston Villa |
| Tynan Thompson | Tottenham |
Baleba will not make his debut tomorrow because of an ankle injury, while Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are also currently sidelined. Mason Mount is a doubt.
Who should Everton watch?
Fernandes is the obvious starting point after his hat-trick against Ipswich. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offer further attacking threat, while Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans give Carrick options in midfield.
There is also an interesting name among United’s alternatives. Joshua Zirkzee came close to joining Everton on Deadline Day before the proposed move collapsed. Carrick has since made clear that the Dutch forward remains part of his plans, although he has yet to feature in the Premier League this season.
Something you might not know
Fernandes has an unusually productive record against Everton. He has registered 11 Premier League goal involvements against the Toffees, putting him level with Ryan Giggs and David Beckham for the most by a United player in this fixture.
One more tomorrow and he will have that particular record to himself.
There is another intriguing number surrounding Carrick. No Premier League team has collected more points than United’s 42 since he began his second spell in charge.
So while the opening defeat at Hull attracted plenty of attention, it probably isn’t the best indication of the side Everton will face tomorrow.
Moyes’ team are unbeaten, United arrive having scored five last time out, and Fernandes is already finding the net. This should provide a decent test of just how far Everton’s promising start can take them.
For updates on the Toffees throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
