Image copyright: Getty Images
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 28
Manchester United v Everton
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Saturday, 9 March 2024
Kick-off is at 12h30
Manchester United will attempt to get their fading top-four challenge back on track when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Saturday, March 9 in the lunchtime kick-off.
The Red Devils are 11 points outside the UEFA Champions League places in sixth position after suffering a 3-1 derby defeat to neighbours Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 3.
Erik ten Hag's side have now lost two on the spin since winning four matches in succession for the first time this season to make a push for a top-four finish.
Tottenham beat local rivals Crystal Palace 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 2 to open up a six-point gap to United in fifth spot, while West Ham (7th) and Newcastle (8th) also won on matchday 27 to keep them in their sights.
The Toffees received a welcome boost in their battle to avoid relegation after being refunded four points from the 10 that was initially deducted by the Premier League in November.
However, Sean Dyche's side are far from safe and find themselves five points clear of the drop zone in 16th place after a 3-1 loss to West Ham at Goodison Park on March 2 left them without a win in their last 10 matches.
Brentford leapfrogged them into 15th position after sharing the derby spoils in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium and Nottingham Forest (17th) are breathing down their necks a further point back despite losing 1-0 to Liverpool at the City Ground.
In team news, Ten Hag remains without a whole of first-team players as Luke Shaw (thigh), Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia (both knee), Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount (calf), Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Anthony Martial (groin) are all still ruled out, while Harry Maguire is rated doubtful. Dele Alli (groin) and Arnaut Danjuma (ankle) are the only definite absentees for Dyche, who could welcome back Idrissa Gueye (groin).
Ten Hag still believes United are making progress despite suffering back-to-back defeats and is targeting a top-five finish as an avenue to get back into Europe's elite club competition.
"We had one bad, bad performance last week [against Fulham], where we didn't play that well, but from this year on, I think we are really progressing.
"You have to get some points back, and then you have to win a game like today against City. And there are more coming more games. There are still many games to play and everyone can beat everyone.
"So things can quickly turn around. So we have to win our games. Number five could be a position for the Champions League, so, as I say, we have to fight for it."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Dyche has urged his players to start taking responsibility for their missed chances after failing to put the game to bed against the Hammers and being made to pay for their wastefulness.
"I try to tell the truth about the performances. It is a decent performance. It's a performance that can win games, but you can't keep creating [those chances and not winning]. I can't keep saying the xG is through the roof. I can't keep saying that," he told evertontv.
"The chances - they're there for all to see. It's about time we took responsibility and got players scoring goals. That's down to myself, and the coaches, but also the players on the pitch.
"And in the Premier League, if you don't take your chances, you don't kill games off. We had the chances today, at 1-0, to kill the game off, and we didn't do that."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United wins - 3
Everton wins - 1
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 28 fixtures:
Saturday, March 9
12h30: Manchester United v Everton
15h00: Bournemouth v Sheffield United
15h00: Crystal Palace v Luton Town
15h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham
17h30: Arsenal v Brentford
Sunday, March 10
13h00: Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
14h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest
14h00: West Ham United v Burnley
15h45: Liverpool v Manchester City
Monday, March 11
20h00: Chelsea v Newcastle United
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow
Betway on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
Google+ and
YouTube.
Download the Betway App.