Man United Vs Everton: Red Devils Face Bigger Hurdle

Manchester United face arguably their toughest opposition of the season so far when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford today, Sunday October 5.

Although Louis van Gaal’s side have made a disappointing start to the 2014-15 Premier League, winning just two of their opening six fixtures, United are yet to face a side who finished in the top half last term.

In addition, United will be playing host to an Everton side who were among seven teams to get the better of the 20-time English champions in their own back yard during the 2013-14 league campaign.

Bryan Oviedo scored four minutes from time to hand Everton a 1-0 victory in December, when United were managed by former Goodison Park boss David Moyes.

United then fell to a 2-0 defeat on Merseyside in the reverse fixture and will be eager to halt their rotten run against Everton and build on last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

And Van Gaal is under no illusion as to the quality of opposition this weekend.

“I have to say that I like Everton because they want to play football like I want to play football,” he said. “It shall be a very interesting game.

“I know we lost to them twice last season, so it will be difficult.

“I hope we can dominate the game but they will want to do that too. They are more likely to play on the counter than us. That’s also the difficulty.”

Despite United’s poor start, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has backed them to bounce back and knows his side will need to be careful in this match.

“Louis van Gaal has been a really successful manager abroad and without doubt he will bring success to the Premier League,” he said.

“In that respect it’s a matter of time before they’ll challenge for everything.
“We know we’re going to be facing that challenge with a difficult air about it.”

United captain Wayne Rooney is suspended following his red card in the victory over West Ham, with Van Gaal suggesting that Juan Mata could come into the starting XI in his place.

Copyright © 2022 Completesports.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Completesports.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Completesports.com.