Manchester United vs. Everton: View from the opposition

Pienaar scores an equalizer against Manchester United
David Moyes welcomes his old club Everton to Old Trafford to take on his Manchester United side

Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford this evening, the first time David Moyes has faced his old club since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer. Roberto Marthinez has made a great start at Everton, who are currently unbeaten in their last six games. Romelu Lukaku has been a revelation since his shock summer move, on loan, from Chelsea; notching up eight goals already.

David Moyes has spoken of a mixed reaction from the traveling fans, mainly due to his joint bid for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini in the summer, which was described as “derisory and insulting”. It is the 187th time both clubs have met in their history with United winning 81 and Everton 63. Phil Jones misses the game through suspension, whilst Robin van Persie “has a chance to play”.

We welcome comments from both sets of fans on potential lineups, predictions and initial reaction to the game.

We have a great view from the oppo, with @FourthOfficial:

1) Everton are having a fine season so far, where will you finish in May?

So far I’m very impressed and greatly surprised with the start we have had under Roberto Martinez. A new manager has brought a refreshing change, a change of style and some new players who are currently a joy to watch, based on the last few games I think this team is capable of anything, the attacking three are as fast and skillful as any in the league and are a real threat playing a counter attacking style of play, however the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool etc will probably strengthen in January. I think we will finish in a similar position as last season around 7th in the league.

2) What have you made of Roberto Martinez and his style of football?

Its brilliant, the style of play really brings out the best in some of our more technical players like Steven Pienaar who was incredibly poor last season, as well as using Baines and Coleman as wing backs meaning they can get forward more than ever.

3) Lukaku was immense last season; how happy we’re you with his signing and how good has he been?

I was delighted with the signing of Lukaku, it was completely unexpected probably more so because I didn’t actually think we could get a player like him nor did I think Chelsea would let him go. I’m sure there is a lot more to come from Lukaku also, its just a shame we have to hand him back at the end of the season

4) How pleased were you that you kept Baines and can you see him leaving in January at all?

I was delighted to keep Baines, it was obvious to most Everton fans that we would lose Fellaini and that he was no longer interested in playing for us, although he is a very talented player it is easier to replace one key players than having to replace two. I do however think we will lose Baines in January, our hands are tied with his contract and its time we got the best money possible for him.

5) Ross Barkley is a real up and coming star. How good can he become and will you hang on to him?

Very impressed with Ross, I didn’t agree with sending him out on loan last season but playing has certainly made him a better player, hes cut out many bad habits in his game. Martinez seems to be very good with his confidence and allows Barkley to make mistakes in games and learn from them by consistently playing rather than being dropped or shipped out on loan again.

6) What reaction will David Moyes get from the traveling faithful and what have you made of the press he has received so far?

The reaction will definitely be a hostile one for him and I wouldn’t blame any Everton fan that did give him stick. I personally thank Moyes for the work he did for us, as well as every other Everton fan, so much so that he got a guard of honour and standing ovation at our last home game of the season. The main reason for the fall out is that Moyes has done to us what he as Everton manager slandered so many others for.

Moyes went public about Manchester City’s approach for Joleon Lescott and for a man that managed us for so long and was supported for so long it came across as really disrespectful that he would unsettle two players who he knew possibly wanted to leave but were so crucial to us. I think the press for him so far is a bit mixed, he has had a lot of unfair criticism but he will always be compared to Ferguson it depends on how he copes with that and the pressure which will either make him a success or failure at United.

7) Happy with the money to received for Fellaini and can he be a hit at Old Trafford?

Very happy with the money we received for him, with that money we have already made our squad so much stronger with a few additions. I think Fellaini could be a huge success at Old Trafford but people because Moyes brought him in he has instantly been judged probably more so because of some of the ‘bigger’ and more ‘fancier’ names that United reportedly missed out on in the summer. Fellaini’s best position is definitely DM, he can hold up the ball well, bring other players into the game well, control the ball well especially with chest control but that is the position and player Moyes needs to play him as, and not as a forward.

8) What is your favourite memory of United and Everton?

The 1995 FA Cup final definitely has to be it haha but more recently the 4-4 draw was pretty incredible more so because I just didn’t expect us to come back form 4-2 down at Old Trafford and possibly have such a big impact on the league title in the end!

9) Who in your opinion is the greatest ever player to pull on a blue shirt?

Would have to be Dixie Dean but since I’ve never seen him play I would probably go for Bob Latchford.

10) How will you lineup and what will the score be?

Howard

Coleman Jagielka Distin Oviedo

Barry

Mirallas/Deulofeu McCarthy Pienaar

Barkley

Lukaku

I think it will be a score draw, 2-2!!

1 Comment on Manchester United vs. Everton: View from the opposition

  1. we should sign martinez instead of that bufoon moyes long ball merchant, one plan man i.e. as soon as possible pass ball on the wings and cross it. sadly everybody worked that out.

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