Manchester United vs. Everton: Key Issues That Will Shape Premier League Game
Manchester United look to make it back-to-back wins at Old Trafford, as they face Everton in the Premier League, on Sunday.
Louis van Gaal's team edged past West Ham in their last match but at the expense of their captain, Wayne Rooney—who was sent off and is subsequently suspended for three matches.
Roberto Martinez's side have had a mixed start to their campaign and sit 15th in the league after six matches, winning just once, per BBC Sport.
United have the chance to break into the top four, as a victory against the Toffees could see them leapfrog Arsenal in the table.
Here, we take a look at some of the key issues that will decide the outcome of this game.
Juan Mata to Prove His Worth to Louis Van Gaal?
1 of 6
Juan Mata may have felt slightly maligned after being dropped for Manchester United's last match, against West Ham.
The Spanish wizard's Premier League record has looked healthy, scoring twice from his four starts this season, per WhoScored.com.
But witnessing Mata's play, it is easy to surmise that the attacking midfielder is still short of the mercurial form that he showed at Chelsea.
Part of the issue is about where to play him: David Moyes used Mata across the attack and in the wing positions. But the player's best position is at No, 10 and he may now get the chance to show what he can do, due to Wayne Rooney's suspension.
Many United fans will proclaim that Mata is far superior in this role than Rooney. He can unlock a defence with a short pass—an element which is a weakness for the captain. With Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao ahead of him on the pitch, Mata should have plenty of opportunity to pick out a forward.
The next three games will be of vital importance to Mata and his long-term future with United. If he fails to shine, he might find himself surplus to requirements in January.
Adnan Januzaj is showing fantastic form for the United under-21 team, and Louis van Gaal may shock Mata and start the young Belgian ahead of him.
Michael Carrick Rushed Back for Ander Herrera? Midfield Questions Arise
2 of 6
The confirmation that Ander Herrera will be out injured for up to a month after breaking a rib, per Brian Lee of the Mail Online, was a crushing blow for Louis van Gaal as he looks to form a settled side.
The Spaniard has impressed in his opening matches for Manchester United and will be difficult to replace in the short term.
Michael Carrick has recently returned to training after a lengthy lay-off and could be risked, as LvG looks to having a more cultured midfielder than Darren Fletcher at the heart of the team.
But the boss could also plump for the fit-again Phil Jones, who has proved himself as an excellent auxiliary midfielder when needed.
Jones would give United the added physicality in the defensive positions against Everton, somewhat negating the power of Romelu Lukaku.
However, Fletcher is almost definitely the most match fit of the three candidates to replace Herrera, and with Wayne Rooney out, LvG might feel he needs to play his vice-captain to provide leadership.
Paddy McNair to Continue in Defence? Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett to Start?
3 of 6
Paddy McNair has had a fantastic start to his Manchester United first-team career, hugely impressing on his debut against West Ham.
The young Irishman battled hard against the Hammers but also showed the footwork and passing ability demanded by Louis van Gaal's playing philosophy.
But with Tyler Blackett and Phil Jones both available again, it is debatable whether LvG will stick with the teenager against a battle-hardened Everton attack.
Blackett has been favoured by Van Gaal this season, with the young player showing form beyond his years. There is nothing to suggest that this preference will not continue.
In terms of seniority, Jones would be the favourite to partner Marcos Rojo at centre-back, but with Ander Herrera out, he could be pushed into a midfield berth.
4-3-3 vs. 4-3-3
4 of 6
Louis van Gaal seems to have settled on a variation of 4-3-3 that suits his usual philosophy.
The 4-4-2 diamond gives the Dutch coach superiority in midfield but also allows his team to be top-heavy in attack.
Everton have played a more traditional version of 4-3-3 in recent weeks, as they did in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, per WhoScored.com.
If United include Phil Jones as a defensive midfielder, it would allow LvG to switch from a 4-3-3 to a 5-3-2 without making a substitution—this tactic would hugely appeal to Van Gaal.
Much pressure will be put on Rafael and Luke Shaw to provide the width for the Reds, allowing Angel Di Maria the freedom of the pitch to cause havoc.
Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie are sure to start as United look to continue to add to their season's goal tally.
Everton have injury problems with Kevin Mirallas, Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Steven Pienaar all nursing knocks, per David Wright of the Express.
Rafael Form to Continue to Improve?
5 of 6
There is no doubt that at the top of his game, Rafael is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League.
The boy has the heart of a lion and a brilliant engine to fight for every last lost cause on the football pitch.
But much like his twin brother Fabio, the player appears to be made of glass—with injuries shattering his opportunity of playing time and consistent form.
However, Rafael is looking fit and well again, and his form is steadily improving with every game.
The Brazilian will be vital to Louis van Gaal this season with no other specialist right-back in contention for the position.
Despite his former petulance and tendency to dive in, Rafael is a potential leader for LvG on the pitch—and his influence might be crucial against Everton, as it was against West Ham.
Robin Van Persie to Captain the Team
6 of 6
If Darren Fletcher does not get the nod to play against Everton, there is only one man whom Louis van Gaal will choose to be his captain.
Robin van Persie appears to be one of LvG's automatic starters, and with Wayne Rooney unavailable until November, surely the Netherlands skipper will replicate his international role at club level.
Many were surprised when RvP was overlooked for the armband when the new coach had to name his leader on the pitch, but Van Persie knows his primary function is to put the ball in the net.
But now we get to see a leadership cameo from the player—and maybe prove that Van Gaal was wrong to choose Rooney.
Everton will be one of the toughest opponents visiting Old Trafford this year, and the team will need a solid influence to lead the squad.
Van Persie might just show that he is more than simply a predatory striker.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
