Manchester United legend Gary Neville has offered his prediction for the Red Devils’ upcoming Premier League meeting with Everton on Sunday afternoon.
United endured a frustrating start to the campaign after slipping to a 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City. However, they responded impressively at Old Trafford, cruising to a convincing 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
The Red Devils will now travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton on Sunday, and Neville is backing his former club to come away with all three points. Speaking on The Overlap, he predicted a narrow 2-1 win for United.
The 51-year-old pointed to United’s strong historical record away at Everton as one of the reasons behind his prediction and expects them to claim their first victory on the road this season.
He said: “2-1 United. Sorry Everton fans. We do have a good record there. I think we do well there.”
Manchester United have generally enjoyed a strong head-to-head record against Everton throughout the Premier League era, although recent encounters between the two sides have produced mixed results. The Red Devils have won only one of their last three meetings with the Toffees, alongside a draw and a defeat.
Last season, United were beaten 1-0 by Everton at Old Trafford despite the visitors being reduced to 10 men after only 13 minutes. However, they got their revenge in the reverse fixture on Merseyside, with Benjamin Sesko coming off the bench to score an excellent counter-attacking winner.
United will likely head into Sunday’s contest as favourites, particularly with Everton currently lacking quality in the attacking areas. The Toffees re-signed Jack Grealish on loan on deadline day, but losing Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City represents a significant setback.
Everton attempted to bring in Monaco striker Folarin Balogun as a replacement for Beto, who joined Fiorentina, but the move failed to materialise. United also prevented the Toffees from signing Joshua Zirkzee on loan before Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
United struggled to find their rhythm during the first half against Ipswich last weekend but looked like a completely transformed attacking side after the break, scoring four goals. If they can reproduce that level of performance against Everton, the home side could be in for a difficult afternoon in front of their supporters.