For Ruben Amorim, the task is straightforward: guide his Manchester United side to Premier League victory against Everton and extend the Reds’ unbeaten run to six.
But as is the case with any domestic outing, nothing is ever straightforward, and David Moyes is not to be taken for granted.
Despite conceding winning positions against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, this United squad has shown its character when required, claiming hard-earned points from losing positions in both.
And, although proceeding with caution, the Old Trafford faithful is beginning to embrace momentum, with a run of four consecutive home wins en route towards an unlikely charge for Champions League football.
With a North London derby opening the door for a slight advantage against southern rivals, Monday evening’s fixture has the potential to elevate spirits further ahead of a congested December schedule.
Manchester United Team News
Inevitably, much of the weekend’s focus will veer towards a starting XI featuring an attacking trio without the injured Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian endured a forgettable outing against Spurs, capped by an unfortunate overextension that will result in several weeks on the physio table.
Nonetheless, early indications suggest the ramifications are not as damaging as anticipated. “He [Sesko] is going to stay out for a few weeks, I don’t know how long, but it is not that serious,” Amorim told the media.
“We have to be careful with him, he is going to recover, he is doing the recovery and is feeling better. So in a few weeks, I expect to have Ben.”
Harry Maguire also suffered a further setback in London, having only returned from a short layoff. Although he will be forced to watch from the touchline, Kobbie Mainoo may return to the matchday squad following a brief absence.
Promisingly, Lisandro Martinez is edging closer to his long-awaited return, having spent time in the Argentina camp during the international break.
But Ruben remains tight-lipped on the defender. “He [Licha] is becoming close to be ready to play,” the former Sporting chief continued.
“Of course, we need to be careful as he is going to struggle in the first [few] minutes. He is clearly in the better position compared to two weeks ago.”
Despite occupying a higher standing than the Toffees, Amorim is aware of the task ahead, against a side who enjoyed a 2-0 win against Fulham in their previous fixture.
“Great manager, great team,” the Portuguese tactician stated.
“Then you need to forget the results. I watch every game Everton did, and they lost some games where they deserved so much more, a bit like us.
“So it’s going to be a really tough match, and we need to be ready for that, and we will be.”
It goes without saying that recent history favours United, who are unbeaten in the previous seven meetings (W6, D1) between the 133-year rivals.
You must go back to December 2013 for the last time that the Liverpool outfit managed to collect three points at Old Trafford, courtesy of an 86th-minute Bryan Oviedo winner.
Pending results elsewhere, three points could elevate United into the top four and within touching distance of the league leaders, having played six of the top 10 sides in the country.
Although many of our revered mainstream writers would have you believe the sky is falling over the Theatre of Dreams, there may indeed be positivity building once more.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Bruno, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.
How do you feel ahead of our return to home comforts against Everton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
(Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com)
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