Everton will enter Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United still without a new striker after failing to strengthen that position during the summer transfer window.

With David Moyes allowing Beto to leave the club and a late move for Folarin Balogun falling through at the final stage of negotiations, Thierno Barry is now Everton’s only recognised senior striker.

The lack of attacking depth leaves the Toffees facing a difficult challenge, particularly as they prepare to take on Manchester United in what promises to be a demanding Premier League encounter.

Everton have struggled in recent meetings with Manchester United, winning just three of their last 22 encounters against the Red Devils, alongside seven draws and 12 defeats.

That record makes Sunday’s fixture an even tougher test for David Moyes’ side, who will need to find a way to contain United while making the most of their limited attacking options.

One positive for Everton is Thierno Barry’s underlying numbers. The 23-year-old French striker has registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.93 in the Premier League this season, excluding penalties.

Only two players have recorded a higher non-penalty xG so far: Liverpool’s Alexander Isak with 2.08 and Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo with 2.26. Barry’s numbers suggest he could play a key role in Everton’s hopes of causing an upset.

Bryan Mbeumo has made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, with his 39 runs in behind opposition defences already the highest total recorded by any Premier League player this season.

Michael Carrick’s side will also travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium with plenty of confidence. Manchester United have won six of their last eight Premier League meetings with Everton, drawing one and losing one, while keeping clean sheets in five of those victories.

Incredible turnaround under Michael Carrick

Sunday’s fixture will mark Carrick’s 20th Premier League match in charge during his current spell as manager. Since replacing Ruben Amorim, he has guided United to 42 points — more than any other manager in the league over the same period.

That remarkable record underlines the impact Carrick has made since taking charge and suggests United are in a strong position heading into the latest meeting with Everton.

One intriguing individual battle to watch will be the contest between Tyler Dibling and Luke Shaw, with the duel potentially playing a key role in determining how the game develops.

It appears increasingly clear that Manchester United were looking to bring in a new left-back during the summer transfer window, but ultimately failed to land any of their preferred targets.

Dibling will be keen to exploit Shaw’s lack of composure and tendency to surrender possession when placed under pressure by an opponent.

Moyes on the verge of unwanted record

The defender lost possession 346 times during the 2025/26 campaign, highlighting an area that Dibling could look to target. While United’s defence as a whole remains below the required standard, Shaw currently appears to be the most vulnerable link in the backline.

Everton have not won their opening two home league matches of a season for five years. However, victory over United would see them achieve the feat again and also mark just the second time they have won two consecutive league games at their new stadium.

Both sides have recorded six direct attacks so far this season, more than any other team in the English top flight. Everton have already demonstrated under Moyes how dangerous they can be when quickly transitioning from defence into attack.

However, the Scot has endured plenty of frustration against his former club. Moyes has already suffered 23 Premier League defeats against Manchester United, and another loss would see him draw level with Harry Redknapp for the most league defeats against the Red Devils.

Fernandes and Garner to determine the outcome?

If Everton are to have a realistic chance of claiming all three points, they will need to find a way to restrict Bruno Fernandes’ influence.

The Portuguese midfielder has already registered 11 goal contributions in 13 Premier League appearances against Everton, scoring six goals and providing five assists. That matches the combined output achieved by United legends David Beckham (4G, 7A) and Ryan Giggs (7G, 4A) against the Toffees.

When Fernandes is given time and space to settle into the game, he can control proceedings from midfield with considerable ease. His ability to contribute in attack becomes even more effective when United are able to dominate possession.

Former Manchester United midfielder James Garner could find himself responsible for trying to contain his former teammate, setting up an intriguing midfield battle.

Fernandes was United’s most active passer last season, attempting 2,128 passes, while he also led the squad for ball recoveries with 175. He also finished joint-third among the team’s top scorers.

Garner, meanwhile, topped Everton’s charts for ball recoveries with 202 and completed 2,059 passes. His passing accuracy of 88.3% was also superior to Fernandes’ 82.1%, underlining his importance in Everton’s midfield.

Christian Norgaard is Everton’s only confirmed absentee, while returning loan signing Jack Grealish and new permanent addition Ainsley Maitland-Niles are both expected to be available for selection. There is also a chance that free-agent signing Jamie Vardy could complete his move in time to make his Everton debut in this fixture.

Manchester United, meanwhile, will be without Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and new recruit Carlos Baleba, all of whom are definitely ruled out. Mason Mount remains a doubt, with a late fitness assessment set to determine whether the midfielder can take part.