TALKS TACTICS

RAFA BENITEZ arrives at Old Trafford aiming to become the first manager to win there with three different Premier League teams, after previous victories with Liverpool and Chelsea. Even with their two best attackers — Dominic CalvertLewin and Richarlison — sidelined, Everton are capable of troubling Manchester United today. Benitez’s 4-4-1-1 system makes sure of that. In every Premier League game this season, Everton have used Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan as a midfield pair. They’re an all-action duo. Doucoure progresses the ball forward while Allan has made the second-most tackles of anyone so far. On the left wing is the rightfooted Alex Iwobi, and on the right wing is the left-footed Andros Townsend, who has managed more shots outside the box than any other player this season. When these inverted wingers come inside, the full backs get forward to provide width. Everton have enjoyed a fine start despite Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison’s absences. Salomon Rondon is filling in up front and Demarai Gray has been revitalised in a free role just behind him. United haven’t lost on the road in the Premier League for 622 days. But at Old Trafford they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight league games and lost six times at home last season. The fear factor for the opposition must return. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got a vast array of attacking talent at his disposal as he showed the other night against Villarreal in the Champions League when he brought on Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard. United are brimming with excellent, experienced players. Solskjaer has to make the superiority of his squad count. If United are to win the Premier League, they need to make Old Trafford a fortress once more.