With the exception of Varane for Lindelof there’s a strong argument that is United’s best XI at the moment. Rashford and Martial have to be there on form, Shaw is a more complete left-back than Malacia and Casemiro brings quality and control to the midfield. It looks a good starting line-up.
It’s so inconsequential it’s flown under the radar that Facundo Pellistri has actually made three matchday squads on the spin. He joined United two years ago on Thursday and has still not had a competitive kick for them, despite the club buying the winger for €10m. He is on the bench today ahead of Garnacho.
Dubravka is fit and warming up but seemingly third choice. One suspects that loan will not be made permanent. He was a peculiar choice of loanee in the first instance. Coleman should be mince meat for Rashford. The Irishman was such an excellent right-back for Everton earlier in his career and one of the best in his position in the Premier League. But he has been past it for a while and would struggle to get into some Championship teams.
Maupay starting is a slight surprise, as you would not have put it past Lampard to have gone with a strikerless side and have Gordon in a floating role. McNeil is unfortunate to drop to the bench after scoring at Southampton.
United have won just one of their past seven Premier League matches against Everton (D4 L2), a 3-1 away win in November 2020. They had won five of their seven against the Toffees before this. Varane came off the pitch quite early. Almost every other squad member is out there warming up still but you sense Varane’s presence today is to make up the numbers as United don’t want to aggravate his ankle injury.
It would be odd if he starts against Omonia on Thursday as United should be able to make 11 changes and win that game as long as their conversion rate is better than it was in Cyprus.
Antony's goal against Everton#MUFC pic.twitter.com/b5PqUky8UL
— Antony's GF❤️™ (@Antony_Xtra) October 9, 2022