Everton’s thin squad puts depth under scrutiny against Manchester United

Everton will host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, with squad depth emerging as the central concern for both managers ahead of the Premier League fixture.

United manager Michael Carrick said his side was in a “good place” after a 5–2 win over Ipswich, having invested a reported £155 million in midfield additions including Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba. That result followed a 2–0 defeat by newly promoted Hull.

Carrick acknowledged that United remain short in some areas, particularly at left-back, where Luke Shaw is described as the club’s only senior option. Baleba is expected to miss the match, while Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are reported to be injured. Shaw, Mason Mount and Tom Heaton face late fitness tests.

Everton manager David Moyes said his club was left with a small squad after key departures and a failed late move for Folarin Balogun. Moyes said Everton had not wanted to lose several players but had been unable to prevent some departures, while the club’s Fans’ Forum criticised its recruitment and planning after the window closed.

Moyes said academy players may need to fill the gaps, although he was uncertain whether they were ready for Premier League football. Jack Grealish is expected to join Everton’s matchday squad after a loan move from Manchester City, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also feature. Christian Norgaard is reported to be unavailable with a knock.

Manchester United won the most recent meeting 1–0, while Everton won 1–0 at Old Trafford last season. Al Jazeera Global News reported an Opta model giving Everton a 38.3 per cent chance of victory and United a 33.3 per cent chance.