Everton test crucial for Manchester United manager David Moyes

Moyes left Everton this year to manage Manchester United

Manchester United have always faced a tough opposition in the form of Everton and today will be no different when the Red Devils welcome the Toffees to Old Trafford.

Former Toffees boss David Moyes left the Merseyside club for Manchester United this season and has the massive task of trying to replicate the success ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson had with the reigning Premier League champions. Moyes has had his ups and downs but looks to have finally found his feet at Manchester United, who are currently unbeaten in their last twelve games.

Everton appointed former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez as Moyes’ replacement and the Spaniard has had immense success at the club. The 40-year-old made the right decision when he decided to bring Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku and Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu on loan to the Liverpool based team. Lukaku has been stellar so far, and Deulofeu is showing signs of what he can do once given the chance.

The 40-year-old has also used a Spanish style of play which has transformed Everton into a successful attacking team. Everton will certainly finish among the top-four this season and if they play their cards right may even earn a Champions League spot next season. Martinez is sure to bring some trophies to Everton in the next couple of years.

It would be unfair to say that Martinez has done a better job than David Moyes this term. Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and replacing a legend like Sir Alex would be no easy task. Martinez has Moyes to thank for leaving him with such a strong Everton team.

Everton have always given Manchester United a hard time. The last two games between the teams ended in draws and the Toffees are sure to put up a fight when they head to Manchester today. Romelu Lukaku, who scored a hat-trick against United last season while at West Brom, is Everton’s biggest attacking asset today. Leighton Baines will surely be missed but Everton have coped very well since his absence. Tim Howard has been phenomenal for Everton this season and the bearded goalkeeper is sure to be kept of his feet by his former club today.

Wayne Rooney has had an excellent season under David Moyes so far and played a big part in the 5-0 drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. The 28-year-old has a good record against his ex-club and will spearhead the United charge today. Shinji Kagawa should be played in his preferred position by Moyes in today’s match. The Japanese international was sensational against Bayer and was also good against Tottenham giving them quite a few problems. David De Gea is finally beginning to fulfill his destiny as a world class keeper and will surely be on top of his game tonight.

Moyes should make his selections carefully because one tiny slip up can have an impact on the title race. The 50-year-old should choose carefully when it comes to picking out the defenders and midfielders in today’s game. Rio Ferdinand and Tom Cleverley should be dropped by Moyes in the match against Everton. Ferdinand can still pack a punch but age has made him slower and he simply would not be able to cope with the fast paced Everton attack. Cleverley was one of the worst United players against Tottenham and should be left out of today’s match until he improves his game. Moyes has a worthy opponent in the form of Martinez and it remains to be seen which tactician will emerge the victor.