Tactical analysis: a win over Everton is all but guaranteed if United remember these two principles

Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford tonight as they return from an extensive international break. With all of Ruben Amorim’s players returning to the fold after representing their countries, they face a jam-packed schedule heading into the new year. Currently, Man United find themselves in 10th place on the Premier League table with a game in hand, just three points clear of a spot in the top four. With a favourable run of fixtures ahead, United could use the next few weeks to clinch a European place and perhaps even challenge for the title, with Everton being the first hurdle. Still, there are some important tactics that United will need to employ in order to clinch what should be a resounding victory. Remain relentless up top While United’s defence can be rickety at the best of times, their attack has rescued them on numerous occasions. We saw this in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, when a late header from Matthijs de Ligt in second-half stoppage time saved them from defeat. This also happened in their previous match against Nottingham Forest, where, despite a poor performance, Amad Diallo leveled the score in the 81st minute to hand United a late draw. Ultimately, United’s attack must remain determined to score until the final whistle, as this approach has served the club well in recent weeks and could lift United to victory tonight. Stay tight at the back Just as United’s attack has been constantly resilient, so too has their defence been erratic. In both the match against Spurs and Forest, the team suffered lapses in concentration to not only concede once, but twice in quick succession. Having held onto a 1-0 lead against Spurs since the first half, United conceded in both the 84th and 91st minutes to fall behind. Fortunately, De Ligt’s goal rescued them from a humiliating defeat. The Forest game was similar, with United going into the break 1-0 up only to concede in the 48th minute and then again two minutes later. Maintaining their focus and retaining their defensive shape will be key and could even guarantee their success tonight, given Everton’s track record in the Premier League this season. Scoring just 12 goals in 11 matches, Everton has the third-worst scoring record in the league, meaning that United should easily silence the Toffees’ attack if they just remain focused. Interestingly, what the visitors lack in attack they make up for in defence. Having conceded just 13 goals all season, Everton have the league’s sixth best defensive record. Still, United’s attack seems to be capable to finding the back of the net against anyone on its day, including more formiddable opponents such as Chelsea, Brighton and Liverpool. Should United maintain their attacking form while tightening up at the back, grabbing three points should be no problem when the final whistle blows in this Monday night clash. Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.