Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Everton: key change made with Rashford among doubts

Manchester United will look to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-1 derby day defeat when they take on out-of-form Everton in the Premier League this Saturday – but while United may be favourites for the lunchtime kick-off at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag has several fresh injury problems to ponder.

Marcus Rashford headlines the list of potential absentees after picking up a knock last weekend, but United could be missing no fewer than 11 first-team players as they prepare to take on an Everton team that haven’t won a league game in 2024.

We’ve got all the latest injury news below and we’ve ventured our best guess at a predicted line-up as well – and if you’re looking for some information for your Fantasy Premier League team, you can also read our high-flying manager's regular advice column here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Predicting United’s back line is especially tricky this weekend as the club have kept details of injuries to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans close to their chest. England international Maguire missed the Manchester derby thanks to his unspecified injury while Evans picked up a knock during the game and was taken off for Willy Kambwala. On Friday, Ten Hag told reports that he does not expect either to be back for the weekend.

We do know that four defensive players will certainly be absent – Luke Shaw (thigh), Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martínez (both knee) are all out long-term, with some chance that Martínez is back immediately after the March international break. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been out for nearly two months with a leg injury, is expected to be back in action in the next couple of weeks but the Everton game will almost certainly come too soon.

Midfield

United have also been cagey with details of Mason Mount’s recovery but although no official timeframe has been provided for his return from the persistent calf injury which has scuppered his first season at Old Trafford, it is not seen as likely that he plays again until April at the earliest. Ten Hag has previously said that Mount should play again this season, but that's as much detail as we have.

His ongoing struggles aside, United have no further injury problems in the centre of the park and will likely persist with a midfield partnership of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

Forwards

It’s a different and rather bleaker story up front, however. Rasmus Højlund, whose hot streak in front of goal was rudely interrupted by a muscle strain, is believed to be close to a return but was not back in full training by midweek, and it seems unlikely that he will play any part against Everton.

Marcus Rashford, meanwhile, was substituted during the Manchester derby after picking up a minor injury – Ten Hag confirmed that he “had to take him off” as a result, but hasn’t specified the nature or severity of the problem. Omari Forson has also been ruled out with a knock just two weeks after making his first league start against Fulham. Anthony Martial remains unavailable until at least early April following successful groin surgery.

Manchester United predicted line-up vs. Everton

Onana; Lindelöf, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Antony, Rashford.