Key talking points ahead of Man United's Premier League clash with Everton

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  • Their draw with Stoke last weekend proved they are mortal but normal business resumed for Manchester United in a comfortable victory over Basel on Wednesday.

    With Manchester City running riot against Watford, the pressure at the top is beginning to build – and there are three key questions to ponder for Jose Mourinho ahead of a clash against a wounded Everton.

    Can United capitalise on Everton’s slump?

    This is the time of year when teams have to start juggling European and domestic commitments and, luckily for United, Everton are not only coming off an away week but an utter pasting in Italy.

    It’s been a tale of two sorry first halves for the Toffees in successive 3-0 thumpings against Tottenham and Serie A side Atalanta. However, Everton’s natural reaction will surely be to play conservatively in search of a morale-boosting draw – a situation that wouldn’t play into the hosts’ hands.

    Everton will build from defence, having scored just two Wayne Rooney goals in the Premier League so far, and United may have to be patient if and when the early breakthrough does not arrive.

    In Ashley Williams, Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye, Everton have a more robust spine than the teams United have played so far. A little ingenuity may be needed.

    Ronald Koeman looks on after his side are battered in Italy

    Ronald Koeman looks on after his side are battered in Italy

    Will Mourinho Shaw up the defence?

    Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling enjoyed an incident-free game against Basel in midweek and will be pressing Eric Bailly, and in particular Phil Jones for a starting spot.

    More interesting perhaps is what happens on the left of the centre-back pairing as Luke Shaw has been declared fit by Jose Mourinho. Having started United’s last three reserve games in a row, Shaw making the bench against Everton will be a telltale sign that he figures prominently in Mourinho’s plans.

    What may work against Shaw however is that Mourinho places great store in versatility, with Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young – who was impressive at right-back against Basel – all being able to cover different positions.

    The likelier outcome is that Luke Shaw is eased back in the League Cup tie against Burton Albion on Wednesday. Hardly the stage on which to win Mourinho’s heart.

    Luke Shaw in training with Man United this week

    Luke Shaw in training with Man United this week

    What’s Plan B without Paul Pogba?

    United are in a dab of bother without their Paul Pogba and this game will be a true gauge of the midfield pecking order behind Nemanja Matic and their injured maestro.

    Mourinho has been cooing about Marouane Fellaini in the press and a penny for Ander Herrera’s thoughts, who was so integral to United last season but has not even qualified as a bit-part so far this term.

    There are plenty of other options for Mourinho to consider – possibly even dropping Henrikh Mkhitaryan deeper – but no one player will be able to replicate the twinned thrust and creativity Pogba brings from midfield.

    If United weather their first serious injury concern of the campaign without looking the worse for it, it will be another indication that United are back as a force in the Premier League.

    Marouane Fellaini replaced Pogba against Basel and scored their opener

    Marouane Fellaini replaced Pogba against Basel and scored their opener

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