Man United vs Everton: 2025 EPL summer series match preview, prediction
Manchester United vs Everton in 2024/25 EPL season. Photo Credit- Royal Blue Mersey
As the 2025 Premier League Summer Series reaches its peak in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 3, Manchester United and Everton lock horns in a clash of North-West giants. This final matchday of the four-team tournament will see Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils, fresh off a mixed pre-season, against David Moyes’ resurgent Everton, eager to build momentum for their new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium. With both sides using the Summer Series to fine-tune tactics and integrate new faces, this match promises intensity and intrigue. This piece is set to explore both club’s performances, tactics, team news, head-to-head stats, and a scoreline prediction.
Manchester United recent performances
The Red Devils are navigating a transitional 2025/26 pre-season under Amorim, who faces pressure to reverse United’s slide after a disappointing 2024/25 Premier League campaign. Their Summer Series kicked off with a 2-1 win over West Ham in New Jersey, powered by a Bruno Fernandes brace, showcasing improved attacking cohesion despite missing key players, with injuries to Lisandro Martinez (ACL) and Andre Onana (hamstring) stretching squad depth. A 0-0 draw against Leeds in Sweden earlier in pre-season highlighted ongoing struggles to convert chances, though new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have added dynamism. United’s focus is on building consistency ahead of a tough Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Manchester United tactics
Amorim favors a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1, emphasizing high pressing and fluid attacking transitions. Against West Ham, Bruno Fernandes thrived in an advanced midfield role, linking with Matheus Cunha and Rasmus Hojlund. The system relies on wing-backs like Noussair Mazraoui and new signing Patrick Dorgu to provide width. Expect United to press aggressively early, with Fernandes and Cunha feeding Hojlund, though defensive stability hinges on Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt holding firm without Martinez.
Manchester United team news and injuries
Lisandro Martinez (ACL) and Andre Onana (hamstring) are ruled out for the Summer Series. Leny Yoro and Christian Eriksen are doubtful but could return after missing the Bournemouth game due to illness. Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Rasmus Hojlund are fit, with Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee back in contention. Altay Bayindir will continue in goal, while Manuel Ugarte could feature.
Possible XI (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Fernandes, Cunha; Hojlund.
RELATED STORIES
Why United fans should back Ruben Amorim player overhaul
Why Man United will not sign a center-forward next season
Everton recent form
Everton, under Moyes’ second spell, have shown resilience but lack cutting edge. Their Summer Series began with a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, where a makeshift defense featuring Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko as centre-backs crumbled in the second half. A 1-1 draw against West Ham followed, with Jake O’Brien’s late equalizer salvaging a point, but Moyes has bemoaned a lack of squad depth and new signings, with only Thierno Barry bolstering the attack. Everton’s 13th-place finish in 2024/25, secured after Moyes’ January return, was a triumph of grit over flair, with a nine-match unbeaten run (including a 2-2 draw with United) lifting them clear of relegation. The Toffees aim to sharpen their attack before their Premier League kickoff against Leeds.
Everton tactics
Moyes deploys a pragmatic 4-2-3-1, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacks. Against Bournemouth, Everton held their own in the first half but collapsed after defensive errors. Thierno Barry’s pace offers a focal point up top, supported by wingers Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Harrison, while James Garner and Idrissa Gueye anchor midfield. Moyes may revert to a three-man defense if Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined, using O’Brien and Mykolenko centrally. Everton’s game plan will likely focus on absorbing United’s pressure and hitting on the break, with Beto as a potential impact substitute.
Everton team news and injuries
Jarrad Branthwaite (niggle), James Tarkowski, and Michael Keane are doubtful, forcing Moyes to rely on makeshift defenders. Seamus Coleman, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti are confirmed absentees. Abdoulaye Doucoure is available after serving a ban but may be benched. Thierno Barry is pushing for a start after a lively cameo, with Mark Travers potentially in goal. Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, and Iliman Ndiaye are expected to feature prominently.
Possible XI (4-2-3-1): Travers; Patterson, O’Brien, Mykolenko, McNeil; Alcaraz, Gueye; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Barry.
RELATED STORIES
How David Moyes transformed Everton from relegation to top-half fighters
Benjamin Sesko transfer saga: Could Slovenian star be United’s missing piece?
Man United vs Everton head-to-head statistics
Manchester United dominate the historical record against Everton, with 43 wins to Everton’s 8 and 16 draws in 67 matches since 1995. In recent encounters: United won their last six meetings, including a 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford in December 2024. Everton’s last victory over United was in 2013 at Old Trafford, and they haven’t won in this fixture since.
The February 2025 Premier League clash ended 2-2, with United’s goals coming from a controversial free kick and Ugarte’s clinical finish. United average 2.0 goals per game against Everton, conceding 0.9, with a 50% Handicap win rate in their last five meetings. Everton’s struggles at Old Trafford (no win since 2013) contrast with their resilience at Goodison Park, where they’ve drawn twice in recent seasons.
Manchester United vs Everton scoreline prediction
Manchester United’s attacking firepower, led by Fernandes and Cunha, gives them an edge, especially with Mbeumo potentially debuting. Everton’s depleted squad and defensive injuries limit their ability to contain United’s press, though Moyes’ pragmatic setup could frustrate the Red Devils. United’s 2-1 win over West Ham showed promise, but there are still some exposed gaps that Everton’s counters, via Ndiaye or Barry, might exploit. However, United’s superior depth and home-state advantage in Atlanta tilt the scales.
