Why Amad is still waiting for Manchester United breakthrough

In Everton's three Premier League away games this calendar year their highest possession total has been 35%. For once, Manchester United should have a measure of control in a league fixture.

United already have 10 players nursing injuries and must be running out of treatment tables at Carrington. As long as there are no new patients for club doctor Gary O'Driscoll, Erik ten Hag is likely to select an identical team to the one that started at the Etihad.

Jonny Evans was not visible in training on Wednesday and irrespective of his availability United will have an auxiliary left back. After his predictably impotent stint up front, Marcus Rashford returned to the left flank and scored the goal of his life against City.

Creativity will be of the essence against a team with a better defensive record. United's 2-0 win against Everton at Old Trafford last season flattered Sean Dyche's side and United's dominance was underpinned by Bruno Fernandes from a deeper role, with Marcel Sabitzer pushed higher up.

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Scott McTominay, the designated 'defensive' inclusion in the front six that day, opened the scoring. If McTominay starts on Saturday it will be either behind the striker or as the striker. There was method to his positioning behind the industrious Fernandes at City and they were close to combining in one of United's handful of openings after Rashford opened the scoring.

What you see is what you get with McTominay. He has impressive goal-getting nous but his limitations are glaring. In the first half against City, he received the ball just inside their half, embarked on what was purportedly a