After a disappointing draw at home against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome seventh-placed Everton to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, in the midweek round of fixtures.
Jose Mourinho’s side still find themselves in the fifth position, thanks to Arsenal failing to win on Sunday and with fourth-placed Manchester City taking on Chelsea, United stand a good chance of cutting down the gap to the top four, if they manage to grab the three points against Ronald Koeman’s side. The last time these two teams met, the match ended in a one-all draw at the Goodison Park, in December.
Team News
United will be given a great boost ahead of the game as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera will be available, after serving out their suspensions. More good news for the Red Devils as record-signing Paul Pogba has returned to training and may well make it to the bench on Tuesday. Juan Mata, according to several reports, is out for the rest of the season, but there is no official word on that yet, while defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling also remain long-term absentees.
Here is how United could line up against Everton on Tuesday:
Manchester United Probable XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
Rumours of De Gea moving to Real Madrid in the summer grow stronger with each passing day, but until he is at United, he is the undisputed first-choice. He will start between the sticks on Tuesday.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
The Ecuadorian international has been one of the most stand out performers for United this season and it is unlikely that he will miss a game, despite fixture congestion.
Eric Bailly (CB)
With both Smalling and Jones unavailable, there is not much room for rotation for Mourinho at the back and Bailly will keep his place in the line-up.
Marcos Rojo (CB)
And alongside Bailly, it will be Marcos Rojo. The Argentine is enjoying a new lease of life at United this season and will play a key role in the run-in, especially with the other members of the defensive contingent injured.
Matteo Darmian (LB)
At left-back, we expect a change, with Ashley Young making way for Matteo Darmian. While Young had a decent outing against West Brom, Mourinho may look to rotate him, paving the way for the Italian.
Ander Herrera (CM)
The Spaniard is available for selection after serving out his two-game suspension. He should slot into the playing XI right away, replacing Michael Carrick on the pitch as Mourinho might not want the veteran to start two games in three days.
Marouane Fellaini (CM)
Along with Herrera, it will be Marouane Fellaini in the two-man pivot for United. The Belgian has been impressive in the past two league games for United and is looking an influential presence on the pitch.
Jesse Lingard (RW)
One of the brightest players against West Brom, Lingard should keep his place on the right-wing in the starting XI for the game against Toffees as well.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (CAM)
Through the middle, it will be Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian international could not have a great effect on the proceedings on Saturday but showed glimpses of what he can do. With Mata unavailable, he becomes even more vital for United.
Marcus Rashford (LW)
On the left-flank, we could see a change with Anthony Martial dropping off to the bench and Marcus Rashford moving out wide. The youngster could pose some serious threat to Everton right-back Mason Holgate.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ST)
And leading the line will be the 26-goal man Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The giant Swede served his three-match ban and is available for selection. No doubts Mourinho will reinstate him to the starting XI straight away.