7 Min

Everton vs Manchester United: Premier League Preview, Prediction and Lineups

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes his side have strengthened significantly during the transfer window, despite the club operating under financial limitations and still having gaps to address ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton.

September 6, 2026

6 September 2026

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes his side have strengthened significantly during the transfer window, despite the club operating under financial limitations and still having gaps to address ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton.

United focused heavily on rebuilding their midfield following Casemiro's departure and a serious injury to Manuel Ugarte. The club brought in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba in deals worth a combined £155 million ($210m).

That spending is considerably less than the amounts committed by some of United's biggest rivals. Manchester City reportedly broke the British transfer record to sign Enzo Fernandez, while Liverpool agreed a deal worth up to £123m ($166m) for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

United have also returned to the Champions League for the first time in three seasons, but Carrick acknowledged that the club must continue to operate within financial constraints.

"We went into the window wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season. We've definitely added to that," Carrick said before the trip to Everton.

"I think we've done a lot of good work in that respect and the situation is what it is in terms of finances and what we can work with."

Carrick said he was particularly pleased with the players United managed to recruit.

"Certainly, the players that we've brought into the group I'm absolutely delighted with and I think we've done some really good business there."

Defensive concerns remain

Despite the midfield additions, United still appear short of options in defence.

Luke Shaw remains the club's only senior recognised left-back, although his injury history continues to be a concern.

Carrick accepts that no squad is ever perfect and believes his players must adapt as United attempt to challenge near the top of the Premier League.

"When you're building and trying to push to go through a period where we're trying to get to the top - that's the ultimate goal - you've got to make steps," he said.

Joshua Zirkzee was expected by some to leave Old Trafford during the transfer window in order to generate additional funds.

The Netherlands international attracted interest from Fiorentina and Juventus, while Everton also made a late approach, but Zirkzee ultimately remained at United despite limited playing time during the previous two seasons.

Carrick believes increased competition for places can help the striker rediscover his best form.

"He wants to play more than he has done and that's the good competition and healthy competition for places," Carrick said.

"Josh can do some really, really top things. I've seen it myself, and I know he can do that and looking forward to him doing that a little bit more often for us."

United looking to build momentum

Manchester United made a poor start to the new Premier League campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City on the opening weekend.

They responded emphatically in their next match, however, sweeping aside Ipswich Town 5-2.

Bruno Fernandes was the star of the contest, scoring a hat-trick as United produced an attacking display that offered encouragement following their disappointing opening result.

Moyes frustrated by Everton's transfer window

Everton manager David Moyes admits his squad is smaller than he would have liked after a frustrating transfer window in which the club lost several important players and failed to complete a late move for United States striker Folarin Balogun.

Moyes said Everton had hoped to do considerably more business and expressed disappointment at the way several deals unfolded.

"I know what I needed and I know what it's like to build a squad for the Premier League, I know the numbers you need," Moyes said.

"But some things went against us and some things could have gone better."

The Everton manager also acknowledged that the club had not wanted to lose several players but had little choice in certain situations, particularly when bigger clubs showed interest.

The proposed Balogun transfer collapsed after concerns emerged during the striker's medical. Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro said Everton had raised questions about the player's fitness before the deal fell through.

Moyes insisted there was no controversy surrounding the failed transfer.

"The player had a problem in his medical and that was simply it. There's no other story behind it," he said.

Everton supporters demand answers

Everton's Fans' Forum has criticised the club's recruitment and planning following the close of the transfer window.

Supporters expressed frustration over another period of late activity and the failure to secure several targets, with concerns heightened by the relatively small squad now available to Moyes.

The Everton manager admitted academy players could be required to fill some of the gaps, although he conceded that it was unclear whether all of them were ready for Premier League football.

"Are they ready to make the step up? I'm not sure about that. We will see how that goes," Moyes said.

He added that the club's young players would have opportunities to prove themselves.

"They're all going to have to be able to muck in as we've got a real small squad now," Moyes said.

"It gives opportunities to some people who have not had them and sometimes in football you need to be given that chance so that you can show what you can do."

Previous meetings

Manchester United won the most recent meeting between the sides, claiming a 1-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium in February.

Benjamin Sesko scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute.

Everton had better memories from the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford last season, when the Toffees secured a 1-0 victory despite playing with 10 men for most of the match.

Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 14th minute, but Everton held on before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the winning goal.