Michael Carrick’s first full season at Manchester United is underway, and the true caliber of this squad remains to be seen. After defeating two promoted sides with a combined five goals scored and two conceded, the Red Devils now face Everton in what could signal the start of more demanding fixtures. One priority is securing the three points against the Toffees, while another looms in the Champions League, where United will open their campaign against debutants Sabah on Thursday.
How to watch Everton vs. Manchester United
Date: Sunday, September 6 | Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Location: Hill Dickinson Stadium – Liverpool, England
TV: USA Network | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: Everton +230; Draw +250; Manchester United
Last season, United finished third in the Premier League without the strain of European competition testing their depth. That changes this year. Despite a commanding five-goal performance against Ipswich, defensive frailties and inconsistent chance creation remain areas of concern for Carrick. Bruno Fernandes continues to orchestrate play with three goals and an assist, but if set-piece vulnerabilities persist, opponents will look to capitalize whenever United fail to build early leads.
Everton, with James Tarkowski anchoring the center of defense, pose a familiar challenge: absorbing pressure and striking on the counter. That approach will be essential at home against United. The Toffees’ transfer window ended disappointingly, with Folarin Balogun’s move collapsing and Iliman Ndiaye departing for Manchester City, but they remain a tactically disciplined side. For Carrick, maintaining Marcus Rashford on the left wing appears necessary, particularly given the lack of depth in that position.
Rashford, returning from a loan spell at Barcelona that restored his confidence and form, ranks third in chances created behind Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo — though Gakpo has appeared in an additional match. United’s attacking dynamics shift noticeably with Rashford involved, and until Amad Diallo recovers from injury, options up front remain limited.
With the transfer window closed, the onus falls squarely on Carrick to optimize the squad’s balance. Last season was about restoring stability after Ruben Amorim’s departure, but now that United are back in the Champions League — where they are expected to compete — the pressure is on to prove he is the right long-term choice.
One hurdle cleared, but the road ahead stays steep. The Premier League judges managers on recent results, not past achievements, and any stumble in fixtures United are expected to win could invite scrutiny — especially if Champions League progress falters. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes provide ample attacking firepower, but none can carry a heavy workload across league and European fixtures indefinitely. How United manage their depth in the weeks ahead will be decisive in determining how far this season can go.