As the Red Devils gear up for their Premier League clash against Everton at Goodison Park, Ruben Amorim’s side finds themselves in unfamiliar territory. The once-dominant force in English football now sits precariously in 14th place, a far cry from their usual lofty perch.
A Tale of Two Teams
Manchester United’s Struggles
The current campaign has been nothing short of a nightmare for United. With just 29 points from 24 matches, it marks their lowest tally at this stage in Premier League history. Amorim, who took the helm in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, has managed a mere 43 per cent win rate in his 21 matches – the worst start of any post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager.
Everton’s Fight for Survival
The Toffees, under the stewardship of David Moyes, who replaced Sean Dyche last month, find themselves in a slightly better position. Sitting 13th in the table with 30 points, they’re looking to capitalise on United’s vulnerability and create further distance from the relegation zone.
The Lunchtime Advantage
Despite their overall poor form, United have shown a peculiar proficiency in Saturday lunchtime kick-offs. The Red Devils have emerged victorious in seven of their last nine Premier League games in this time slot, including two wins against Everton.
Previous Encounters
Last season’s encounters at Old Trafford saw United dominate their Merseyside rivals. In March 2024, a penalty double secured a 2-0 win. Alejandro Garnacho was the catalyst, earning both spot-kicks. Bruno Fernandes converted the first after James Tarkowski’s foul, while Marcus Rashford dispatched the second following Ben Godfrey’s challenge.
April 2023 witnessed another 2-0 triumph, with Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial finding the net. The match also marked Christian Eriksen’s return from injury, adding depth to United’s midfield.
Amorim’s Conundrum
The Portuguese tactician faces a significant challenge in reviving United’s fortunes. His recent comments highlight the gravity of the situation:
“People are losing their jobs so we have to acknowledge that the biggest problem is the football team. We spend the money. We are not winning. We are not in the Champions League so the revenues are not the same.”
Amorim’s decision to allow Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa without reinforcing his attacking options has raised eyebrows. He admits, “We are taking that risk that you talk about because we want a different thing in our team.”
The Road Ahead
As United prepare for their trip to Goodison, they’ll be hoping to replicate their lunchtime success. However, with Everton fighting for survival and United’s form in disarray, this fixture promises to be a stern test of Amorim’s tactical acumen and his squad’s resilience.
The match kicks off at 12:30 PM on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at Goodison Park. For United, it’s more than just three points at stake – it’s a chance to begin climbing out of the abyss they’ve found themselves in. For Everton, it’s an opportunity to capitalise on the giant’s fall from grace and secure their Premier League status.
As the teams prepare to lock horns, one thing is certain: this lunchtime kick-off will serve up a feast of drama, with both sides hungry for victory in this high-stakes encounter.
