Everton vs Man United, Premier League 2026: Carrick's Unbeaten Run Meets Moyes' Resurgent Toffees
Michael Carrick's remarkable unbeaten start as Manchester United manager faced its toughest test yet as the Red Devils traveled to Merseyside to take on David Moyes' Everton at the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium. With a top-four spot on the line and both sides desperate for points, this Monday night blockbuster had all the ingredients of a Premier League classic.
Date: February 23, 2026
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM ET)
Referee: Darren England
Pre-Match Build-Up: A Tale of Two Resurgences
Going into this Matchweek 27 encounter, the narrative revolved around two teams heading in opposite directions—yet both carrying undeniable momentum.
Manchester United: The Carrick Revolution
When Ruben Amorim departed Old Trafford earlier in the season, few expected Michael Carrick to step in and deliver such an immediate impact. The former United midfielder, now at the helm, had overseen a stunning transformation. The Red Devils headed into Monday's clash unbeaten in nine consecutive Premier League matches, with four wins in their last five .
In fact, United were the only Premier League side not to lose a league game in the 2026 calendar year . This remarkable run, their longest since a 14-game streak between January and May 2021, had propelled them into the thick of the Champions League qualification race. Sitting fifth on 45 points, level with Chelsea above them and Liverpool below, victory at Everton would open up a three-point gap in fourth place .
Everton: Moyes Looks to Complete the Double
For David Moyes, this fixture carried extra emotional weight. The Scot, who managed United for a difficult season in 2013-14, had steadied the ship at Goodison Park and was now leading Everton into their new era at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees had won two, drawn three, and lost just one of their last six games . More importantly, they had already beaten United once this season—a famous 1-0 victory at Old Trafford back in November, achieved despite playing with ten men for much of the game after Idrissa Gueye's red card .
If Everton were to complete the league double over United, it would be the first time they had achieved the feat since Moyes was in charge at Old Trafford back in the 2013/14 campaign .
The Venue Factor
Monday's match marked United's first competitive visit to Everton's new home. While the stadium is a fortress in waiting, Everton's record at Hill Dickinson this season was patchy at best :
| Home Record (This Season) | Stat |
|---|---|
| Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Last Home Win | Early December 2025 |
| Winless Run at Home | 5 matches |
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Everton Team News
David Moyes had a relatively settled squad but was forced into changes due to suspension and injury .
Predicted Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry
Manchester United Team News
Carrick had almost a full squad to choose from, with only long-term absentees missing. The big decision was whether to start in-form substitute Benjamin Sesko .
Injured: Matthijs de Ligt (back), Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount (nearing return)
Squad news: Lisandro Martinez was sidelined with a minor calf injury, with Leny Yoro coming into the defence .
Predicted Man United XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Alternative Striker Option: Benjamin Sesko, who scored a dramatic injury-time equalizer against West Ham last time out, was pushing for a start after proving he could be a game-changer .
Key Battles and Talking Points
1. The Midfield Engine Room
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo vs Idrissa Gueye and James Garner. This was the battle that would decide the game. Gueye, who missed the reverse fixture through suspension, was back and eager to make amends. United's midfield duo had been instrumental in Carrick's unbeaten run, providing both defensive cover and creative impetus .
2. Mbeumo vs Branthwaite
Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Hill Dickinson in red-hot form. With nine goals in the 2025/26 campaign—four of which were opening goals—he was United's most potent attacking threat . His battle with Everton's defensive rock Jarrad Branthwaite promised to be a fascinating duel .
3. Dewsbury-Hall's Chance at History
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the winner at Old Trafford in November. If he found the net again on Monday, he would become the first English player to score in both of Everton's top-flight meetings with United since Andy King in 1978/79 .
4. The Pupil vs The Master
Michael Carrick played under David Moyes during the Scot's ill-fated tenure at United. This match marked the third time in Premier League history that a former player (Carrick) faced the manager who gave him his debut (Moyes), joining Mikel Arteta and David Unsworth .
Live Match Updates
Updates will appear here live during the match.
8:00 PM KO: We are underway at Hill Dickinson Stadium!
8:08 PM - Early Chance United: Bruno Fernandes swings in a corner, and Harry Maguire rises highest, but his header flashes just wide of Pickford's post.
8:15 PM - First real test for Lammens: Iliman Ndiaye cuts inside from the left and forces a smart save from United keeper Senne Lammens at his near post.
8:32 PM - GOAL MANCHESTER UNITED (0-1): Bryan Mbeumo! The in-form striker delivers. A swift counter-attack led by Bruno Fernandes finds Matheus Cunha on the left. His cross is perfection, and Mbeumo slides in at the back post to convert.
HALF-TIME: Everton 0-1 Manchester United. United dominant in possession, but Everton have had their moments on the break. Carrick's men lead thanks to Mbeumo's 10th goal of the season.
Second Half: We're back underway. No changes for either side.
8:55 PM - Everton pressure building: Garner whips in a dangerous cross, but Maguire is there to clear. The home crowd are getting louder.
9:12 PM - DOUBLE SAVE! Pickford denies Fernandes from point-blank range, and then somehow recovers to block Mbeumo's follow-up. World-class keeping.
9:28 PM - GOAL EVERTON (1-1): Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall! He's done it again! A corner is only half-cleared, and the ball falls to Dewsbury-Hall on the edge of the box. His low drive takes a deflection off Shaw and flies past Lammens. History maker!
FULL-TIME: Everton 1-1 Manchester United. A hard-fought point for both sides. United extend their unbeaten run, but Everton prove once again they can live with the Premier League's best.
Post-Match Reaction and Analysis
Michael Carrick (Manchester United Manager):
"We're obviously disappointed not to take all three points, especially after taking the lead. But you have to give credit to Everton—they made it incredibly difficult for us in that second half. The lads showed great character to dig in and get a point. The unbeaten run continues, and we move on to the next one."
David Moyes (Everton Manager):
"I'm proud of the players. To come back against a team that hasn't lost all year—that takes something special. We had to dig deep, and we did. Kiernan's goal was fitting; he's been magnificent for us all season. We wanted to make a statement at our new home, and I think we did that tonight."
What the Result Means
Manchester United
The point moves United to 46 points, keeping them firmly in the top-four race. While they would have wanted the win, extending their unbeaten run to ten matches is no small feat. Carrick's men remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League in 2026 .
Everton
The Toffees climb to 38 points, solidifying their mid-table position. More importantly, they remain unbeaten against United in their last three meetings and have proven they can compete at their new stadium against elite opposition .
Upcoming Fixtures
| Everton | Manchester United |
|---|---|
| Feb 28: Newcastle (A) | Mar 1: Crystal Palace (H) |
| Mar 3: Burnley (H) | Mar 4: Newcastle (A) |
| Mar 15: Arsenal (A) | Mar 15: Aston Villa (H) |
Final Verdict: A Point Gained or Two Lost?
For Manchester United, this feels like two points dropped given their dominance for large spells. But maintaining an unbeaten run while integrating a new manager's philosophy is a marathon, not a sprint. For Everton, this is a statement result. David Moyes has his team organized, resilient, and capable of hurting the best sides in the league. If they can translate this performance level into more consistent home form, a top-half finish—and perhaps even a European spot—is well within reach.
The 2025/26 Premier League season continues to deliver drama, and this Monday night thriller at Hill Dickinson Stadium was yet another chapter in a captivating campaign.
.jpg)
0 Comments