Everton vs Man United live: Martinez ruled out as Carrick forced into late change for Premier League test

In partnership with

The Independent

·23 February 2026

Everton vs Man United live: Martinez ruled out as Carrick forced into late change for Premier League test

Everton host Manchester United in an intriguing Premier League clash as the visitors look to continue their unbeaten run and move clear of Chelsea and Liverpool into fourth place.

Michael Carrick has been an inspired choice for interim boss, overseeing four straight wins and a draw in his five matches so far. The draw came at West Ham almost two weeks ago as Benjamin Sesko struck in ‘Fergie-time’ to earn United a point.

OneFootball Videos

With Everton sitting ninth in the table, Moyes prepares to face his old team with the knowledge that a win will leave his team just five points off the top four. The Toffees had been on a five game unbeaten run in the league before they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in their last outing.

The reverse fixture between these teams at Old Trafford was certainly dramatic as Everton’s Idrissa Geuye was sent off for fighting his own team-mate but Moyes led his side to victory against his former employers.

Captain fantastic? Fernandes looks to continue away form

According to Opta, Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 10 goals in his last nine Premier League away games, with two goals and eight assists.

He leads the assist standings ahead of Erling Haaland.

Jamie Braidwood23 February 2026 19:15

Can Everton do the double over Manchester United?

After winning at Old Trafford, Everton are bidding to completing the double over Manchester United for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

The United manager that season? You might remember David Moyes being haunted by the grim reaper during his last defeat as United boss.

(Getty Images)

Jordan Pickford urges Everton to aim high and push for a Champions League spot

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has told his team-mates to “grasp the opportunity” as the club bid to make a run for the European places this season after many years of battling to stay in the top flight.

“When I joined (in 2017) we were in Europe, we know the fantastic history of Everton Football Club, a lot of trophies won, a lot of titles won, and it’s how do we now create our own history as players?

“We’ve seen Crystal Palace winning the FA Cup and getting into Europe, Notts Forest getting into Europe – I know they’re not having the best of seasons but they were close to getting Champions League football last season – and Newcastle winning the League Cup when they’ve not won a trophy for a long time.

“The opportunities are there, it’s about taking them and grasping them with both hands when you get that opportunity because you might only get that one final in your career – you make sure you take it as a club and you’ll be remembered as a legend.”