Manchester United have had some long periods of struggle this season, but despite that they sit just one point behind fifth-place West Ham, and four behind local rivals Manchester City. A win against visiting Everton would propel them into fifth place and the Europa League spot it provides -- and sit just one little point behind City and the last Champions League spot in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs. Everton 2016 online streaming: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Manchester United can climb to fifth place in the EPL table with a win against the Toffees.
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Considering all the angst and anger in the Manchester United fanbase this season, that’s not a bad place to be in. There’s still plenty of time left in the season for them to climb up the table -- but also plenty of time to fall down it if they don’t pull themselves together and start improving their play. A strong performance against Everton would be a good way to get things started, but a poor performance could just as easily doom them to continued mediocrity.
Key player -- Juan Mata (Manchester United)
With so much of Manchester’s attack and midfield hurt, Mata will need to show the best of his playmaking abilities in this match. Everton have struggled in the areas of midfield that Mata likes to work through, opening up the opportunity for him to shine. If he steps up, Manchester United should be able to control and win this match with ease -- but if Mata struggles, they don’t have another clear option to play the creative game they need, and this game will be anything but easy for the Red Devils.
Key matchup -- Chris Smalling (Manchester United) vs. Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Lukaku’s size and physicality have helped lead Everton to some of their best performances this season, and with Chris Smalling as the man lined up against him, he could have another chance to show off. Smalling has been downright excellent at times this season for Manchester, but he’s worn down at this point in what’s been a very grueling season for him on the United back line. Even at his best, his skillset isn’t a great match to counter Lukaku, and with fatigue a factor Smalling and Manchester’s defense could be in a heap of trouble because of it.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Will Keane, Luke Shaw
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Steven Pienaar, Tony Hibbert, Tyias Browning In doubt: John Stones, Bryan Oviedo
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: USA Network (U.S. - English), Telemundo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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