Michael Carrick named an unchanged Manchester United lineup for their Premier League trip to Everton on Matchday 3. The visitors arrived at Goodison Park looking to build on their emphatic 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, while Everton manager Sean Dyche handed a start to forward Brennan Johnson.
United entered the fixture sitting 12th in the Premier League table with three points from their opening two games, a win and a loss. Their 5-2 goal difference showed an attack finding its rhythm but a defence still finding its feet, leaving them six points behind early leaders Manchester City.
What were the team selections?
Carrick's decision to stick with the same eleven that dismantled Ipswich 5-2 signaled confidence in his chosen system and personnel. The United boss clearly felt the performance last time out warranted a repeat, aiming for consistency in both selection and results. For Everton, the inclusion of Brennan Johnson was the notable change as Dyche looked to maintain his side's unbeaten start to the campaign, which included a win over Crystal Palace and a draw with Bournemouth.
How did both teams arrive at this match?
The early-season form of the two sides presented a contrast. Manchester United had experienced a jarring opening-day defeat to Hull City before responding with a commanding 5-2 display against Ipswich. Everton, meanwhile, had begun with more solidity, taking four points from their first two fixtures. This match represented an early test of United's ability to string positive results together on the road. You can view the full Premier League standings to see how this result affected the early-season picture.
What is the current injury situation at United?
While Carrick had a settled side to pick from, his options remain limited by a trio of absentees. Midfielders Carlos Baleba and Manuel Ugarte, along with winger Amad Diallo, are all currently sidelined. Their absence places a greater onus on the fitness of the first-choice players and reduces the manager's ability to change games from the bench. The latest updates on player availability are always tracked on our dedicated injuries page.
What comes next for Manchester United?
The fixture list presents an immediate and formidable challenge for Carrick's team. Following this trip to Merseyside, United's next assignment is a home clash with arch-rivals Manchester City on September 13th. City, who sit top of the table, will visit Old Trafford in what is already a significant early-season encounter. Preparing for that derby will dominate the upcoming week, and fans can look ahead to the schedule on our fixtures page. Securing a positive result at Everton was therefore important for building momentum ahead of that major test.
