Football is weird. Seriously. One week you’re watching Manchester United crumble under the weight of "tactical evolution," and the next, Michael Carrick is back in the dugout, wearing that familiar sharp suit, guiding the Red Devils to a 2-0 demolition of Manchester City. Now, all eyes turn to a cold Monday night on February 23, 2026. Everton vs Man Utd live from Goodison Park—or rather, the Hill Dickinson Stadium as the sponsorship deals go—is more than just a fixture. It is a clash of two massive clubs trying to remember who they used to be.
Honestly, if you missed the reverse fixture back in November, you missed one of the most bizarre games in recent Premier League history. Idrissa Gueye actually got sent off for slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane. You can’t make this up. Despite playing with ten men for nearly the entire match, Everton walked away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win thanks to a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall screamer.
Now, with Michael Carrick steering the United ship and David Moyes—yes, he’s back at Everton again—looking to do the double over his former employers, the stakes are massive for the European spots.
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The Carrick Effect: Is the United DNA Finally Back?
People keep asking: "How high can Man Utd finish under Carrick?" It's the question of the month. Since taking over as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s exit in early January 2026, Carrick has been nearly perfect. Three wins, one draw, and a tactical masterclass against Pep Guardiola. He didn't reinvent the wheel; he just put the players in their actual positions.
United currently sit 5th in the table with 35 points from 22 games. They are breathing down the necks of Liverpool and Aston Villa. The form is there. They are five matches unbeaten.
- Bryan Mbeumo is playing like a man possessed.
- Patrick Dorgu has transformed that left-hand side.
- The defense, led by Matthijs de Ligt, looks significantly less "panicky."
But Goodison is a different beast. Moyes has turned Everton into a stubborn, defensive wall. They are 12th, but don't let that fool you. They've kept clean sheets in 38% of their matches this season. They want to turn this into a scrap. If you’re looking for Everton vs Man Utd live updates, expect a tactical chess match that eventually devolves into a physical battle in the mud.
Team News: Injuries and Absences
You've gotta feel for the medical staff at Carrington. The injury list at United has been a revolving door.
Manchester United Update
Michael Carrick has a few headaches. Benjamin Sesko is out with a knee injury. He’s likely sidelined for at least another week or two. That puts the pressure squarely on Joshua Zirkzee to lead the line. Zirkzee has been okay, but he’s not the natural finisher Sesko is.
Matheus Cunha is also a major doubt. Apparently, there was a "training ground accident" recently. That usually means a collision that left someone with a nasty bruise or a twisted ankle. On the bright side, Kobbie Mainoo is back in the mix, and Lisandro Martinez is pushing for a start after his own injury layoff.
Everton Update
David Moyes is dealing with his own set of problems. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Losing Gueye is a blow to their defensive stability, though some fans might joke that at least he won't be slapping any teammates this time.
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Jordan Pickford is basically the reason Everton aren't in a relegation scrap. His performance in the 1-0 win at Old Trafford was legendary. He’ll need to be at that level again to stop Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.
Why This Match Breaks the "Big Six" Narrative
We talk about the "Big Six" constantly. But look at the table. Arsenal are running away with it at the top, but the gap between 5th and 12th is remarkably small. Everton have 29 points. United have 35. A win for the Toffees pulls them right back into the conversation for the minor European spots.
There’s a misconception that United always roll over Everton. Not true. The Toffees have a way of making life miserable for the Red Devils on Merseyside. Under Moyes, they’ve reverted to a "dogs of war" mentality. They don't mind having 30% possession if it means they can nick a goal from a corner or a Dewsbury-Hall long-shot.
Where to Watch Everton vs Man Utd Live
If you’re trying to catch the action, here is the breakdown of how to follow the game.
United Kingdom: The match is a Monday Night Football special. It’s exclusive to Sky Sports Premier League. If you’re a "cord-cutter," you’ll need a Now Sports membership.
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United States: Kick-off is at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT. The game will air on USA Network. You can stream it via Sling Blue, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream.
Australia: It’s a late one (or early one) on Stan Sport.
Tactical Breakdown: What to Watch For
United under Carrick are playing a much higher line than they did under Amorim. They want to compress the pitch. However, Everton are brilliant at hitting the space behind the full-backs.
- The Mazraoui/Dorgu Dilemma: United’s wing-backs are essentially auxiliary attackers now. If they push too high, Jack Grealish—who has been revitalized at Everton—will exploit that space.
- The Midfield Pivot: Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes need to control the tempo. If they let the game become a frantic end-to-end sprint, Everton’s physical conditioning will give them the edge.
- Set Pieces: This is where Moyes wins games. James Tarkowski and Michael Keane are massive threats. United have struggled with defending corners all season, conceding 1.52 goals on average per game.
The Verdict on the Race for Europe
Basically, this match tells us if United’s "Carrick-led revival" is a fluke or the real deal. Winning at home against a disjointed City is one thing. Winning at a hostile Goodison Park on a rainy Monday night? That’s where you see the true character of a squad.
If United win, they are genuine contenders for the top four. If Everton win, Moyes proves once again that his old-school pragmatism still has a place in the modern, high-pressing era of the Premier League.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Monitor the lineups: Check the official XI exactly one hour before kick-off. If Mainoo starts, United’s ball retention improves by about 20%.
- Watch the first 15 minutes: Everton usually come out like a house on fire at home. If United weather that initial storm, the crowd starts to get nervous.
- Live Betting Tip: This fixture is historically high on cards. Given the history of Gueye and the intensity of a Moyes vs. United clash, keep an eye on the referee's whistle.
Check your local listings for the exact broadcast time in your region. The game is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. Don't rely on unofficial streams; they usually lag right when a goal is about to happen. Stick to the official broadcasters like Sky Sports or USA Network to ensure you don't miss a second of the drama.