Manchester United are preparing for their trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday to take on an unbeaten Everton side.
The Toffees have won and drawn in their opening two fixtures, but will be navigating the campaign with a depleted squad following the closure of the transfer window.
How are Everton faring ahead of hosting United?
Indeed, David Moyes’ side bid farewell to forwards Beto and Iliman Ndiaye this week, leaving Thierno Barry as the only out-and-out striker in the ranks.
A deal for USMNT international Folarin Balogun fell through at the 11th hour, while United rejected a late approach from Everton to take Joshua Zirkzee on loan.
Jack Grealish has returned to Everton on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Welcome back, Jack! 🔵
— Everton (@Everton) September 1, 2026
Zirkzee had gone the entire summer being linked with moves away, but the Merseyside outfit’s proposal in the dying embers left United with no time to bring in a replacement.
United’s transfer window left much to be desired
Michael Carrick, meanwhile, will be feeling aggrieved over INEOS’ handling of the window.
Although he was granted an entirely new midfield via the additions of Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba (currently injured) and Youri Tielemans, there were zero reinforcements to Carrick’s defensive line.
Last thing i’ll say: not getting a LB in, or any defensive reinforcements, when you have Harry Maguire & Luke Shaw saying from their own mouths we need more support, in a season of competing in 4 comps, with all the time they’ve had to prep, is disgraceful negligence
— . (@saundzo) September 1, 2026
Luke Shaw is now the only senior left-back in the squad, but United did perform a U-turn on letting go of 19-year-old Harry Amass, so fans are expecting to see him feature more throughout the term.
In fact, Amass has already been called into training today with the first team, along with highly-rated youngster JJ Gabriel.
Carrick’s team news for Everton trip
Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan shared an update from Carrington on Wednesday morning, revealing that Amad Diallo – hailed as an ‘unstoppable’ talent by skipper Bruno Fernandes – was absent from the session.
Mason Mount was involved, so he’ll be chomping at the bit to make his first appearance of 2026/2027 after sustaining an injury in a pre-season clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Open training at #mufc this morning.
No Amad.
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko part of the group.
De Ligt not part of the group as being load managed.
JJ Gabriel and Harry Amass part of the group. pic.twitter.com/NvMdoQTnD7
— Danyal Khan (@DanyalHKhan) September 2, 2026
Matthijs de Ligt, whose 2025/2026 season ended in November, did not take part, with his load being managed as he continues his injury recovery.
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