Everton confirmed XI v Man United: Alcaraz axed as Moyes makes headline change
David Moyes has made one significant change to his starting XI as Everton host Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Everton face a Manchester United side below them in the Premier League table following a dismal run of form that’s seen them lose eight of their last 12 matches – a stark contrast to Everton.
A 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last time out – courtesy of Carlos Alcaraz’s winner 10 minutes from time – made it four victories in the last five for Moyes‘ Blues, taking them 13 points clear of the relegation zone.
With a chance to climb as high as twelfth if all results go their way this weekend, and continue the plight of his former employers at Old Trafford, Moyes has selected a side he feels will take the game to United.
Everton make one change v Manchester United
Everton named their matchday squad on X ahead of facing the Red Devils in Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison, with one change made to Moyes’s starting XI from their victory at Selhurst Park last time out.
That one change, however, is a significant one, with key man Alcaraz – arguably the Toffees’ best player against Palace – dropping to the bench as Abdoulaye Doucoure returns from suspension to start.
Doucoure lines up in the number 10 role he’s tended to operate in under Moyes, and will be flanked by Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom out wide with Beto keeping his place as Everton’s leading striker.
Your Toffees to take on Manchester United! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/fqkl95aiUJ
— Everton (@Everton) February 22, 2025
Moyes takes massive risk with Carlos Alcaraz decision at Everton
Not only did Alcaraz strike late to secure the points for Everton in South London last weekend, he also pounced upon a drop in concentration from the Palace defence to set up Beto’s opener in the first half.
That breakaway move just moments before the half-time whistle came against the run of play and showed the unpredictability their new signing from Flamengo can bring, particularly in tandem with Beto.
Alcaraz, therefore, will certainly be taken aback by his benching ahead of the Toffees’ last ever clash with United at Goodison, having played a direct part in both their goals to secure last weekend’s win.
Doucoure’s performances in royal blue have also been impressive in recent weeks – to the extent that calls for a new contract have been raised – but dropping Alcaraz could come back to bite Moyes.
Harrison and Lindstrom haven’t shown the same levels of productivity in the final third this season as Alcaraz did in just 90 minutes last time out, and given Amorim’s Red Devils beat Everton 4-0 just two months ago, the Toffees will need things to go their way in attack to continue this unbeaten run.