Everton — Manchester United: the Toffees face the Red Devils - 06.09.2026
After two rounds, the new Premier League season has already delivered a few surprises, and now we have an intriguing meeting at Everton's new stadium. On 6 September, the Toffees will host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Kick-off is at 14:00 UK time.
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Everton head into the match in good spirits. David Moyes' side began with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace before drawing 1-1 away to Bournemouth. In between those matches, they also secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Preston in the League Cup. That makes it four points from two league games and, so far, no defeats.
However, Moyes has suddenly been handed a serious problem. On the final day of the transfer window, Folarin Balogun's move from Monaco fell through. At the same time, Everton had already sold Beto to Fiorentina, while Iliman Ndiaye joined Manchester City. As a result, the only recognised centre-forward left in the squad is Thierno Barry. There is some good news, though: Jack Grealish has returned to Goodison — or rather, now to Hill Dickinson Stadium — on a season-long loan and could make his second debut for the club against United.
Manchester United's start has been much more nervy. In the opening round, Michael Carrick's side suffered a surprise 0-2 defeat to Hull City. But in their second match, the Red Devils put on a real show, thrashing Ipswich 5-2. Bruno Fernandes was the star of the game, scoring a hat-trick. The victory gave United three points and gradually began to repair the impression left by their poor start.
Carrick still has several squad issues to resolve. United failed to strengthen the left side of their defence with a new signing, while Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs de Ligt, Amad and Carlos Baleba were among the players dealing with issues. The squad still lacks depth, which is particularly concerning with a packed schedule ahead.
Tactically, this should be an intriguing battle. Moyes will surely rely on defensive solidity, physicality and quick attacks down the wings. Everton have already shown that they can defend reliably, conceding just one goal across their opening two league matches. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski will be key figures at the back, while much will depend on Barry up front. If Grealish is given enough playing time, his technique and ability to create chances could cause serious problems for the visitors' defence.
United will surely look to dominate possession and play much more boldly than they did in Hull. The combination of Fernandes, Mbeumo and Cunha already looks dangerous, and after scoring five goals against Ipswich, the team will surely have gained confidence.
It is also worth noting that Manchester United have the advantage in the last five head-to-head meetings: three wins compared with one for Everton and one draw. However, in February 2026, the visitors secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Toffees' home ground, so the hosts will surely be looking for revenge.
My prediction — both teams to score: Yes.
