Early team news: United v Everton

The Reds moved back into the top four on Wednesday evening with a narrow 1-0 victory over Brentford at the Theatre of Dreams.

Marcus Rashford was the goalscorer, netting in the top-flight for the 15th time in 2022/23, as we opened up a three-point gap on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game more than us.

As we play first this weekend, we could put the pressure on the north Londoners by recording back-to-back home victories, although Sean Dyche's visiting side are embroiled in their own fight for league position at the foot of the table.

One negative from the Bees clash was the injury suffered by Luke Shaw, which brought his 250th appearance for United to a premature end. Tyrell Malacia replaced him on 37 minutes.

Erik ten Hag said time would be needed to identify the issue and its extent, but the Dutchman is likely to know more about his left-back by the time he addresses reporters at Friday's pre-match press conference.

For now, let's hope Luke's injury isn't too serious.

In more positive news, Christian Eriksen has been involved in group training this week and the manager did not rule out the prospect of a possible return against the Toffees. He was pictured with the rest of the squad in Thursday's session.

The Dane played a part in all but one of our games up until the end of January, but has been missing since the Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie against Reading after suffering an ankle injury in a tackle with Andy Carroll.

Casemiro is also approaching a return, although he definitely won't be involved on Saturday as he serves the final match of his ban.

Ten Hag was keen to highlight the contributions of midfield trio Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer on Wednesday, while Fred - who was introduced with 20 minutes to go - is also an option if Erik wants to rotate in that area.

Alejandro Garnacho is still recovering from the ankle injury incurred during the goalless draw with Southampton and Tom Heaton has also been absent from the last three matchday squads after hurting his own ankle.

Donny van de Beek is out for the season following knee surgery in January.

EVERTON TEAM NEWS

Abdoulaye Doucoure is suspended, after being shown a red card during Monday's dramatic 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Goodison Park. The Toffees had to fight hard for a vital point in their struggle against the drop, with United old boy Michael Keane lashing home a magnificent injury-time equaliser from range.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh) and Andros Townsend (knee) are long-term absentees, while reserve full-back Ruben Vinagre is in line to return to the squad after a month out. Dyche thinks the remainder of his squad should be fine.

“Ruben missed out with a tight Achilles but he’s back on the grass training,” the Everton boss told reporters on Friday.

“Dom continues his recovery, obviously, Andros a bit more distantly. There’s a few more players carrying some knocks and bruises, but nothing too serious.”