Lineup preview: what Manchester United should field against Everton
Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford on Monday, aiming to tighten their grip on a European spot and close the gap on the top sides. With a packed schedule and a need for balance between solidity and attack, the starting XI could shape the mood around the squad for weeks to come. Here is a considered lineup that blends experience, form, and tactical intent.
Formation and tactical approach
With the core personnel in place, a 4-2-3-1 formation offers a blend of protection in midfield and creativity in the final third. The two holding midfielders can shield the back four and transition quickly into attacks, while the number 10 operates as the creative hub just behind the central striker. Against Everton, pressing intensity and width will be key to limiting spaces for a counter-attacking threat.
Proposed starting XI
Goalkeeper: Onana – A trusted presence between the sticks, capable of distribution and command of the box. His performance will be crucial when Everton push forward in the second half.
Back four: Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka – A compact, experienced spine. Varane and Martinez bring organisation at the back, Shaw offers width in attack and defensive cover on the left, while Wan-Bissaka provides balance with his pace and ball recovery on the right.
Midfield duo: Casemiro, Mount – Casemiro anchors the midfield with seasoned discipline and breaking up play, while Mount adds creativity, movement, and goal-threat from deeper areas. This pairing should control transitions and sustain pressure through the middle of the park.
Attacking midfield trio: Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Garnacho – Fernandes should operate as the dynamic playmaker in the hole, pulling strings and linking with the currently in-form forward line. Antony offers directness on the right and creativity, with Garnacho providing pace, one-v-one ability, and willingness to take the ball at defenders on the left.
Central striker: Marcus Rashford – If fit, Rashford as the central striker provides pace and finishing quality, with the ability to drop slightly and pull Everton’s centre-backs out of position. If Rashford is restored to a more traditional true nine role, he can still pull defences around and create space for the wingers and Fernandes.
Alternative options
Should injury or form dictate a tweak, Eriksen can replace Mount to add a deeper distribution option, or Weghorst could lead the line as a focal point for aerial duels and hold-up play. In midfield, Eriksen or Fernandes could push higher with Mount or Antony dropping slightly to form a more fluid attacking trio behind the striker.
Tactical notes for the clash
Keeping Everton’s forwards in check will require disciplined pressing and compact lines when out of possession. The full-backs need to stay patient in possession, primarily when transitioning from defense to attack, to avoid predictable turnovers. In attack, width from Antony and Garnacho should stretch Everton, creating space for Bruno Fernandes and Rashford to exploit through-balls and late runs into the box.
What this lineup means for the season
By selecting a balanced XI that blends defensive resilience with creative flair, United can control the tempo of the game, limit dangerous counter-attacks, and apply sustained pressure in the final third. A win would move them closer to European qualification and boost confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures.
