Those of you who’ve tuned into the more recent podcasts will have heard Jon and I arguing about how Everton’s season might go next season. Jon thinks the “new stadium curse” will mean lower table mediocrity. I, on the other hand, think otherwise. As a lifelong fan of Merseyside Red, it’s bittersweet for me to acknowledge that Everton could be a club on the up. On the other hand, it gives me great joy to make this bold prediction… Everton will finish ahead of Manchester United next season.
The Moyesiah’s Return: A Blueprint for Success
The return of David Moyes to the Everton dugout is a logical move and a clear statement of intent, something not associated with Everton in recent years. The Scot, who previously forged a formidable side on a shoestring budget, brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven tactical blueprint. His preferred 4-2-3-1 or a flexible 4-4-2 formation prioritizes solid, uncompromising defending, a high work rate, and potent counter-attacking football – a style that aligns perfectly with the core strengths of the current Everton squad.
The permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz signals a move towards a more dynamic attacking threat. Imagine the ball-winning ability of Idrissa Gueye providing the platform for a forward line of Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndaiye, and Beto, who – having finished last season with a flourish – is poised to continue his good form under a manager who knows how to get the best out of a traditional number nine (see original Dominic Calvert-Lewin for references!)
Furthermore, Everton’s summer transfer business, in typical Moyes fashion, is expected to be shrewd. The departure of several high-wage, underperforming players like Calvert Lewin should free up resources to target hungry, disciplined individuals who fit the Moyes mould. The focus will be on strengthening key areas and adding depth: a far cry from the scattergun approach that has plagued the club in recent years.
A Red Devil in Limbo: Amorim’s United Under Scrutiny
Just up the road, Manchester United are in the midst of a significant overhaul. The appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP has yet to show any meaningful progression, and thus still carries considerable risk. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation is a complex system that demands specific player profiles and a high degree of tactical intelligence. While the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a hefty £62.5 million adds a dynamic and versatile attacker, questions remain about how the existing squad will adapt. The expected arrival of Mbuemo may also help the cause, but that’s not a done deal yet.
The Red Devils’ defence was porous last season, and it is unclear whether the current personnel can seamlessly transition to a back three. The wing-back roles are crucial in Amorim’s system, and the likes of Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu will have to adapt to new defensive and attacking responsibilities. The midfield, which often looked disjointed, will need to find a new balance and understanding. Question marks still surround Manuel Ugarte’s ability to adapt to Premier League football, and while Casemiro was a force in Europe last season, he was the opposite in league games.
United’s financial muscle will allow them to pursue high-profile targets, but the pressure on Amorim to deliver immediate results will be immense, and could see them drop crucial points in the early stages of the season.
Head-to-Head: Where the Toffees Can Find Their Edge
A position-by-position comparison reveals that the gap between the two sides may not be as wide as Jon thinks:
- Goalkeeper: In Jordan Pickford, Everton possess one of the Premier League’s most consistent and commanding goalkeepers, a clear advantage over United’s Andre Onana, whose first season was a mixed bag of brilliance and high-profile errors.
- Defense: Everton’s central defensive partnership of James Tarkowski (beloved by us all at Statr) and Jarrad Branthwaite (should he remain at the club) proved to be one of the most formidable in the league last season. United’s backline, in contrast, is in a state of flux, with any three of Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Mazraoui or Martinez starting in the middle of the defence.
- Midfield: While United boast the individual brilliance of Bruno Fernandes, Everton’s midfield of Gueye and Doucouré offers a more balanced and industrious unit, perfectly suited to Moyes’ tactical demands.
- Attack: The acquisition of Cunha undoubtedly strengthens United’s attack. However, Everton’s forward line, with a firing Beto supported by the creativity of McNeil and Alcaraz, has the potential to be a potent force, particularly on the counter-attack.
A Perfect Storm for an Upset
The 2025-26 season presents a perfect storm for Everton to usurp Manchester United. The Toffees have a manager who understands the club’s DNA, a squad with a clear tactical identity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Manchester United, on the other hand, are a club in transition, with a new manager implementing a complex system and a squad still finding its feet.
While the Red Devils’ individual quality cannot be dismissed, the collective strength, organization, and renewed belief at Goodison Park could prove to be the decisive factor. It will be a hard-fought battle, but for the first time in a long time, the blue half of Merseyside has every reason to believe that they can, and will, finish above their rivals from down the East Lancs Road. The tide is turning, and it’s flowing in Everton’s favour. Now all that’s left is for Jon to pay me my twenty quid next summer.
Gary Cronin, July 2025
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