Everton vs Manchester United Preview: Can Carrick’s Red Devils Secure Revenge and Champions League Momentum?

The Premier League heats up as Everton welcomes Manchester United to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for a crucial Matchday 27 clash on February 23, 2026. With United chasing a top-four finish and Everton eyeing European spots, this reverse fixture carries added weight. Earlier this season, a resilient 10-man Everton stunned United 1-0 at Old Trafford, courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s wonder strike. Now, under interim boss Michael Carrick, the Red Devils aim to avenge that defeat and extend their unbeaten run.

This encounter pits David Moyes’ pragmatic Everton against a revitalized United side that’s turned heads since Carrick’s January appointment. As both teams emerge from a 13-day break—United’s first real breather under their new regime—the stage is set for a tactical battle in Everton’s state-of-the-art venue.

Premier League Standings: Where Do They Stand?

As of February 22, 2026, Arsenal leads the pack with 58 points from 27 games, closely followed by Manchester City on 56. Aston Villa sits third with 51 points, while Chelsea and Manchester United are locked on 45 points, with United holding a game in hand. Everton occupies ninth place with 37 points from 26 matches just ahead of Newcastle and Sunderland, a point ahead is Bournemouth.

For United, three points here could propel them back into fourth, especially after Chelsea’s recent 1-1 draw with Burnley. Everton, meanwhile, risks slipping further if their home woes continue— they’re five points adrift of sixth-placed Liverpool and need a statement win to fuel European ambitions.

Manchester United’s Revival Under Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick’s second stint as United’s interim manager has been nothing short of transformative. Appointed in January after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, Carrick has overseen an unbeaten run of nine Premier League games, including four wins in the last five. Victories over heavyweights like Manchester City and Arsenal highlight a newfound resilience, with late goals from Benjamin Sesko proving decisive—a 96th-minute equalizer at West Ham and a 94th-minute winner against Fulham.

Carrick admits the role feels like home, but he’s focused on the present. “It feels like we’ve been here a lot longer… It’s come at a good time to have a bit of a deep breath. Psychologically, emotionally, it can be quite challenging,” he said ahead of the Everton trip. United’s form places them joint-top of the recent table with Chelsea, a stark contrast to earlier season struggles where they dropped points in winnable fixtures.

Pre-Carrick, United’s inconsistency was glaring—losses to lesser sides exposed defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge. Now, with Casemiro anchoring midfield and attackers like Bruno Fernandes thriving (two goals and eight assists in his last nine away games), they’ve become a force.

Everton’s Home Struggles Under David Moyes

David Moyes’ return to Everton has brought stability, but home form remains a sore point. The Toffees haven’t won at Hill Dickinson Stadium since a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in early December, enduring five straight home games without a win—including defeats to Arsenal, Brentford, and Bournemouth. They’ve conceded in every recent home outing, failing to keep a clean sheet since that Forest triumph.

Moyes’ side sits ninth with a respectable 10 wins from 26 games, but their -1 goal difference underscores defensive vulnerabilities. Recent form: W-D-D-W-L across all competitions, with the Bournemouth loss marred by Jake O’Brien’s red card and goals from Rayan and Amine Adli.

Authentically, Everton’s pragmatism under Moyes—familiar from his first tenure—has yielded results away, like the Old Trafford win, but home crowds demand more flair. Players like Thierno Barry (five goals, three at home) and Iliman Ndiaye (five goals) carry the attack, but consistency eludes them.

Head-to-Head History: United’s Dominance vs Everton’s Rare Upsets

Historically, Manchester United holds a commanding edge over Everton. In 212 meetings across all competitions, United has 96 wins, 48 draws, and 72 losses. In the Premier League era, United boasts 43 victories from 69 games, with Everton managing just nine.

At Everton’s home (including Goodison Park historically), United has 31 wins from 105 encounters, while Everton has 48. United aims for a 20th away league win against the Toffees, more than against any other opponent.

The first leg this season bucked the trend: Everton’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford, despite playing with 10 men, marked their first victory there since 2013. Everton seeks a league double over United for the first time since 2013-14—under Moyes himself. Factually, United’s 19 away wins against Everton is a record, but recent trips have been tricky—drawing 1-1 last season.

Team News and Injuries: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Manchester United: Carrick faces absences but no major crises. Mason Mount (knock) is “getting closer” but won’t feature—Carrick emphasizes patience: “We don’t want to push anything.” Matthijs De Ligt (back injury since November) is progressing but “a little bit behind Mason.” Patrick Dorgu (hamstring from January) remains out until March/April. No suspensions.

Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

Everton: Jake O’Brien is suspended after his red card against Bournemouth—one-game ban per club confirmation. Jack Grealish is out for the season with a foot fracture. Seamus Coleman returns from injury, providing options at right-back. No fresh concerns—Moyes: “We’ve got everybody fit, bar Jack Grealish.”

Predicted XI: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry, George.

Key Players to Watch: Game-Changers on Both Sides

For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes is the linchpin—his away form (goals and assists galore) could unlock Everton’s defense. Benjamin Sesko’s late heroics make him a threat, while Bryan Mbeumo’s four away goals add firepower.

Everton’s hopes rest on Thierno Barry and Iliman Ndiaye, both on five goals, with Barry netting three at home. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, also on five, could etch his name in history by scoring home and away against Manchester United. Jarrad Branthwaite’s defensive solidity will be crucial against United’s attack.

Tactical Breakdown: Moyes’ Pragmatism vs Carrick’s Momentum

Moyes’ Everton favors a compact, counter-attacking style—hard to break down but lacking home spark. Expect a 4-2-3-1 with Gueye and Garner shielding the backline, relying on Ndiaye’s creativity and Barry’s pace. Their poor home record (half of last 10 lost) stems from defensive lapses; they’ll aim to frustrate United and hit on breaks.

Carrick’s United employs a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Casemiro and Mainoo providing balance for Fernandes’ wizardry. Their unbeaten streak features resilient comebacks, but away clean sheets are rare—they’ve conceded in recent road games. Key battle: Fernandes vs Everton’s midfield; if Gueye disrupts, Everton could counter effectively.

Analytically: Manchester United’s possession dominance (averaging 55% under Carrick) clashes with Everton’s 42% home average. United’s late goals suggest fitness edges, but Everton’s home crowd at the new stadium could intimidate.

Prediction: United to Edge a Tense Affair

Everton’s home form is abysmal—no wins in five, conceding freely—while United’s revival under Carrick screams momentum. We expect a Manchester United win, with Fernandes playing key role. Everton might score, but United’s depth prevails.

Betting tips: United to win @ 2.01; Over 2.5 goals given recent trends; Fernandes anytime assist.

Final Verdict: A Pivotal Clash for Ambitions

This match could define both seasons—United closing on Champions League, Everton pushing for Europe. Carrick’s unbeaten run likely continues, but don’t underestimate Moyes’ grit.