United at training.

Early team news for Everton trip

Thursday 07 April 2022 12:30

Manchester United should be boosted by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo for the early Saturday kick-off at Everton.

The striker started the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on the bench, coming on in the second half of a 1-1 draw, but will hope to be in the XI when the Reds take on a Toffees side plunged into the relegation scrap after the 3-2 defeat at Burnley on Tuesday.

Frank Lampard's men are only one point clear of the Clarets, in 17th place in the Premier League table, and need to arrest a slump in form that is threatening top-flight demotion for the first time since 1951.

For United, the aim is clear: a top-four finish and spot in next season's Champions League, with Arsenal's heavy 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace on Monday reviving our ambitions on that front after we dropped points in the 1-1 draw with Leicester City last time out.

Hence, the 12:30 BST kick-off at Goodison is probably viewed as a must-win game for both clubs, with the atmosphere sure to be an intense one on Merseyside.

Jesse Lingard was ill last weekend, so remained an unused substitute, but is in training and should also be available. Luke Shaw could be a doubt after coming off at half-time against the Foxes with a leg problem. Alex Telles would appear the obvious replacement if the left-back is absent.

Bruno Fernandes, who has a great record against the Toffees, operated in a false-nine-type role last time out but is likely to drop deeper if Ronaldo does start.

Harry Maguire played on the right-hand side of the central defensive pairing, in a slight tweak, with Raphael Varane on the left.

Training highlights: Focus on fitness Video

Training highlights: Focus on fitness

Training footage | The Reds are looking sharp as we approach Saturday’s game with Everton…

THE TOFFEES' TEAM NEWS

Everton are without Donny van de Beek, as he is ineligible due to his loan move from Old Trafford, but the Dutchman has picked up an injury in any case.

Lampard confirmed at Turf Moor that his squad will look similar to the one on duty on Wednesday night. "Probably the same," he said, when asked about the plans. That would suggest Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes are still sidelined. 

Recent recruit Nathan Patterson, Tom Davies and Andros Townsend are out but ex-Red Michael Keane and busy midfielder Allan could both return from suspension.

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