Everton manager Roberto Martinez has sounded a warning to his side ahead of this weekend’s game against Manchester United, saying that Louis van Gaal’s side have been very strong this season.
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The 21-year-old playmaker was the stand-out performer during Euro 2016 qualifying wins against Estonia and Lithuania over the past week.
Tom Cleverley and Leighton Baines are unlikely to make this weekend’s squad however, as they continue to work towards full fitness after ankle and leg injuries respectively.
Calmly batted away, as expected, by Martinez but the fact the question is even being asked shows it is not as far fetched as it was a few years ago.
“When you are the most important team and have the best players, experience and record you can set your way of playing and that’s it. For the others, you have to be adaptable and be able to, from week to week, master different ways of playing”.
“He brings a lot more to his performance that just hitting the back of the net”.
The England global has been missing from first-team action after suffering a knee injury.
Morgan Schneiderlin will hope to regain a starting place in midfield, with Bastian Schweinsteiger having hurt his thigh while away with Germany.
“And I think Phil Jagielka is the clear example that we have in house. I’m sure he’s going to be a really good fit for the Premier League”.
For that, they need to start winning again, and Everton on recent form could be obliging opponents.
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Romelu Lukaku is one of only four players to score a Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United. David Bentley, Dirk Kuyt and Samuel Eto’o are the others. Manchester United have just won two of their last six meetings against Everton and were beaten 3-0 during their last visit to Goodison Park.
