New playmaker and a welcome return - Manchester United need players to step up vs Everton

Manchester United head to Goodison Park today in dire need of a result after losing eight of their previous 12 Premier League games.

That has left United below Everton in the Premier League table and the Toffees are on a fine run of form under former United boss David Moyes, who once again faces his former club, having been the first manager to fail in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Ruben Amorim's side are 15th in the Premier League and with a comfortable gap to the bottom three, the remainder of the league season is about little more than saving face after a disastrous campaign.

New playmaker

One of the bright spots in last weekend's defeat to Tottenham was the performance of Joshua Zirkzee, who had what was probably his best and most effective game for the club.

Zirkzee has rarely looked like a No.9 since joining from Bologna and he seemed more comfortable at Spurs having Rasmus Hojlund to dovetail with and lead the line. With Hojlund trying to occupy the centre-backs, Zirkzee could find space as a No.10 and his neat footwork and close control were impressive.

He might not get quite as much space against Everton's physical outfit, but the Dutch attacker will surely start again and he needs to step up again if United are to get on the scoresheet.

Hojlund test

It's clear now that Hojlund has no interest in being fed long aerial balls to compete for and he will quickly become frustrated if that is what his teammates resort to against the Toffees.

Everton are a big side and they kicked Liverpool out of their stride with a physical approach last week. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite will want to send an early message to Hojlund and opposing teams will notice that he can lose confidence if he is on the end of a