1. Give us your assessment of United’s season so far.
We shouldn’t be doing as well as we are! With the current striking woes, injury crisis throughout the season and lacklustre defensive line, I don’t think many would expect us to reach the top four, let alone push for second. There’s been a lot of decisions from van Gaal that I’ve put agreed and disagreed with, and I don’t think our squad is finished yet. Van Gaal undoubtedly has a lot to do, but it’s been a great first season. Many have commented on how we are beginning to see the ideas and styles of Sir Alex Ferguson appear, and that’s great to see.
2. There’s been a lot of movement between Goodison Park and Old Trafford in recent years- give us the common United consensus on former Blues Moyes, Fellaini & Rooney.
They’ve all certainly had their ups and downs! Moyes never really kicked it off at United, and there really wasn’t much we could be happy about. His transfers have seemed to have paid off, but he still required the work of van Gaal to kick them into action – he’s made Fellaini and Mata two of the team’s most important players. I wasn’t impressed by Fellaini first season, and I don’t think many fans were. However, it’s great watching him play and I’m glad we persisted with him after rumours he would depart after just one season. But Rooney is an out-and-out club legend, regardless of all the previous rumours. United fans simply can’t hate him.
3. How is Louis van Gaal getting on? Is he the right man for the job?
We were never going to have the momentum of Sir Alex Ferguson in our first few seasons without him, but as I mentioned before, by van Gaal being able to implement some similarities into the team, he’s doing well. I haven’t necessarily agreed with his man management – I believe his handling of Falcao, Shaw, Januzaj and Rafael has been extremely poor – but he’s also developed the careers of others. He’s not the perfect manager, but he’s a monumental improvement from last season’s seventh placed finish.
4. How do you view Everton?
Everton are a big of a strange team for me. I still see them as a club who pose a real danger and should be battling for European qualification, so I still can’t quite believe they’re in the bottom half of the table. That being said, I still believe they can cause a real danger for the Red Devils, and van Gaal will be fully aware of that. They seem a very inconsistent side – currently unbeaten in their last five, after taking just one win from ten earlier in the season. If Martinez is able to find some consistency, I think they’ll be up there.
5. What do you make of our season so far?
It’s been very mixed, but I’m taking confidence from the fact that despite their good runs of form, Everton have only taken a single win from a side in European contention. Unfortunately, that did come this month against Southampton, so it’s a sign the Toffees are on the up. The season seems to evolve around the consistency, and Martinez should resolve that issue with time and the opportunity to make the squad his own. However, I’m not expecting many goals from the match, and Everton haven’t conceded more than three since their 6-3 humiliation to Chelsea back in August.
6. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I rated Martinez highly at Wigan Athletic, but I’m yet to be impressed by him at Goodison Park. Like Moyes’ departure to Old Trafford, it seems his step up to Everton was just too much, too quickly. He ultimately isn’t used to having a budget, and seems to be the sort of manager who will be happy to scrape results in a relegation battle, while enjoying the odd cup success. I don’t think Everton is the team for him, and I don’t think he’s managed to get them playing how he wants. He’s undoubtedly a talented manager, but maybe looking elsewhere could be the best option for the Spaniard. The decision behind a five-year contract was a bit bewildering, I must say!
7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to United given the chance?
None! If I had to select players for a Manchester United-standard squad, Ross Barkley, Tim Howard and Leighton Baines would easily be good enough for the club. However, in the centre of midfield and in between the sticks we already have too much quality! I would have snatched at the opportunity for Baines two seasons ago, but he’s too old and I’d rather look for a combination of talent and great potential in Shaw or Blind. So maybe I would look into the youth, and take Ryan Ledson, Kieran Dowell and John Lundstram – although the latter to purely add depths to the Under-21s, I couldn’t ever see him progressing to the first team.
8. Which players should Everton be wary of on Sunday?
Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata. Surely the headlines are set for an in-form Fellaini to hand the final blow to his former side, and he seems to be inflicting damage on anyone and everyone. With Blind expected to return to the holding midfield role, Rooney is set for a return to the lone striker role. As a result, a goal from the skipper is almost guaranteed, and I fully expect him to beat former Red Tim Howard during the match. And it’s more than likely that assist will come through Mata, who is also enjoying some exceptional form. He really is unstoppable, and if he forms a wide partnership with Ashley Young, he could also be dangerous with his flair and pace.
9. And who will away fans fear in a blue shirt?
Romelu Lukaku seems to be the only player in the squad who possesses a clinical nature in his play, and the former Chelsea man can admittedly make a dangerous chance from the simplest of opportunities. The hype surrounding Ross Barkley seems to be somewhat overshadowing his lacklustre performances in comparison to earlier in the season, and while Howard is a dominant player, I can’t see the goalkeeper causing too many upsets. He might be able to make a number of saves, but United have adopted an attacking style recently, and a clean sheet for the United States number one would surprise many away fans.
10. Likely Manchester United team and score prediction?
I’d predict a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney and Ander Herrera will both net for the visitors, while Lukaku secures a consolation goal for the hosts. However, I have a slight feeling Everton could lead a shock lead through the Belgian, but I can’t see them lasting the whole 90 minutes. Luke Shaw looks likely to retain his full-back position, while Blind could return from injury. Marcos Rojo is an uncertainty, and could require a late fitness test. However, should be available, my likely squad would be: De Gea, Shaw, Rojo, Smalling, Valencia, Herrera, Blind, Fellaini, Mata, Young, Rooney
