Everton and Manchester United have been going at it since 1892. That is a massive amount of history. Honestly, it’s one of those fixtures that feels like a family feud because there are so many shared faces—Rooney, Moyes, Fellaini, even Lukaku. When you look at Manchester United f.c. vs Everton f.c. matches, you aren't just looking at ninety minutes of football. You're looking at a power struggle between the traditional "Big Bank" of Manchester and the grit of the "People's Club" from Merseyside.
United usually holds the upper hand. The stats don't lie. Out of over 200 meetings, the Red Devils have secured nearly 100 wins. But statistics are boring. What actually matters is the chaos. Like that 4-4 draw at Old Trafford back in 2012. United was leading 4-2 with just minutes left. They basically had the Premier League title in their hands. Then, Nikica Jelavić and Steven Pienaar happened. Two goals in two minutes. The stadium went silent. That single match arguably handed the title to Manchester City.
The Goodison Park Factor and Recent Upsets
Goodison Park is a tight, loud, and frankly intimidating place for any visiting team. Even though United has a decent record there, Everton has this weird habit of turning into a brick wall when they feel slighted. Remember the 4-0 drubbing United took there in 2019? It was ugly. It was the kind of performance that made fans question if the "United Way" still existed.
But lately, the tide has stayed mostly red. In the 2024-25 season, Ruben Amorim really put his stamp on things. United hammered Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford in December 2024. Marcus Rashford looked like a new man under the 3-4-3 system, and Joshua Zirkzee bagged two. It felt like a changing of the guard, or at least a return to some sort of dominance for Manchester.
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Recent Match Results (The Nitty Gritty)
- February 2025: A 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. This one was a bit of a heartbreaker for Everton fans because they were 2-0 up at halftime.
- November 2025: Everton actually pulled off a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Absolute madness. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored a screamer that silenced the Stretford End.
- December 2024: Manchester United 4-0 Everton. Total dominance from start to finish.
The rivalry has evolved. It’s no longer just about who has more trophies. For Everton, it’s about survival and pride. For United, it’s about trying to prove they belong back at the top of the mountain.
Why Wayne Rooney is the Ultimate Icon of This Fixture
You can’t talk about these two clubs without mentioning the boy from Croxteth. Wayne Rooney is the embodiment of this rivalry. He was the teenager who kissed the Everton badge and then moved to Old Trafford for millions, only to return home later in his career.
Rooney’s history in these matches is complicated. He was often the villain at Goodison, getting booed every time he touched the ball. Yet, he is one of the top scorers in this fixture's history. He knew both dressing rooms inside out. He understood the "School of Science" mentality and the "Fergie Time" pressure. When he scored that overhead kick as a kid in an U9s match between these two, it was a sign of things to come.
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The Tactical Chess Match: Amorim vs the Toffees
Football in 2026 has changed. It's faster. More data-driven. Ruben Amorim brought a very specific tactical identity to United that Everton has struggled to break down. By playing three at the back, United creates overloads in the midfield that catch Everton's traditional 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 setups off guard.
Everton, under their recent management, has relied heavily on set pieces. Jarrad Branthwaite remains a massive threat in the air. If United gives away a cheap corner, they usually pay for it. The 2-2 draw in early 2025 showed that—United dominated the ball, but Everton lived on the second balls and physical pressure.
Key Stats You Should Probably Know
United has won 37 of the 60 Premier League meetings between the two. Everton has only managed 10 wins in that same span. That seems lopsided, right? It is. But if you look at the last five years, the "Draw" has been a very frequent guest. Specifically, the games at Goodison tend to be much closer, with Everton's defense often holding firm against United's high-priced attackers.
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The goalscoring record is also telling. Graeme Sharp still holds the all-time lead with 11 goals in this fixture. For United, names like Anthony Martial (who always seemed to score against Everton) and Ryan Giggs are high up there. It's a fixture that rewards players who aren't afraid of a bit of a scrap.
What to Watch for in the Next Meeting
If you're looking at the upcoming schedules, pay attention to the midfield battle. United’s Kobbie Mainoo has become a central figure in controlling the tempo. Everton usually counters this by being "horrible" to play against—lots of pressing, lots of tactical fouls.
Keep an eye on the January 2026 fixtures. There is a lot of talk about squad rotations and injuries. Historically, the team that handles the "festive period" fatigue better usually takes the points. United's depth is superior on paper, but Everton's starting XI, when healthy, can frustrate anyone in the league.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the First 15 Minutes: In this specific rivalry, the tone is set early. If Everton gets a couple of hard tackles in, the Goodison crowd wakes up, and United often struggles to settle.
- Focus on the Wings: Amorim’s wing-backs are the key. If Everton’s full-backs (like Mykolenko) can keep them pinned back, United’s 3-4-3 becomes a very defensive 5-4-1.
- Betting/Fantasy Tips: United clean sheets are rare in this fixture regardless of the winner. Both teams to score (BTTS) has been a very common outcome in 4 of the last 6 meetings.
- Historical Context: If you want to impress your mates, remind them that Everton's last win at Old Trafford before the 2025 shock was all the way back in 2013 under Roberto Martinez.
The story of these matches is never finished. Every season adds a new layer of drama, whether it's a controversial VAR decision or a wonder goal from a player nobody expected. It’s the beauty of the English game. Two historic giants, one often stumbling and the other often fighting for its life, but both always capable of producing a classic.
To stay ahead of the next kickoff, monitor the injury reports for Jarrad Branthwaite and Rasmus Højlund, as their presence or absence fundamentally shifts the tactical gravity of the game. Check the official Premier League site for confirmed kickoff times as TV schedules often move these high-profile games to Sunday afternoons or Monday nights.