United have lost eight of their past 10 Premier League away games (W2), keeping a clean sheet in both victories. However, they scored as many goals in their 6-3 defeat against Manchester City last time out as they had in their previous eight away league games combined. Is that a good omen for tonight.
For anyone who’s been in the press box at Goodison, it is the most cramped in the top flight. From experience, only Loftus Road is tighter. The seats are wooden and look like they were last painted in the 1970s but it is a charming press box and the ground is great. It’s one of the last of its kind.
Fortunately, the seat next to me is spare. As my colleague Tyrone just dryly observed: “For some reason, they have left a gap between you and the United media team. Everton may not look imposing on paper but pose a big test for Casemiro. The midfield trio of Iwobi, Onana and Gueye is very athletic and this is Casemiro’s first start in the Premier League.
Iwobi, a winger almost all of his career, has been successfully reinvented as a midfielder and Everton have a decently balanced front six. Maupay is not particularly prolific and is the main drawback. The Ronaldo situation at United is such a difficult one to judge at the moment. Ten Hag said in midweek he was unhappy at not starting and he must realise he’s third choice, but the manager also said his mood is good and he always looks upbeat during the warm-ups.
He’s just been having an animated discussion with Steve McClaren before running off to Fred to continue a chat with him. He was all smiles again, when you think deep down he must be pretty unhappy at the way this season is panning out.
— Chirag Godara (@iChiragg) October 10, 2022