Preview: Manchester United vs. Everton

Manchester United will be without striker Wayne Rooney for their fixture against Everton on Sunday lunchtime.

The club captain, who began his career at Everton, will miss three games after being sent off against West Ham United last weekend.

Manager Louis van Gaal is likely to replace Rooney with Juan Mata, with Darren Fletcher in line to take Ander Herrera's spot in midfield after the Mexican broke his rib.

Defender Patrick McNair will retain his place in the starting lineup after impressing on his first-team debut against the Hammers.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez must wait to see how his players recover from their midweek trip to Russia before finalising his team for the trip to Old Trafford.

The Toffees were faced with a 4,800 mile round trip to play FC Krasnodar in the Europa League, and while Martinez will be keen to play his strongest XI, he won't want to pick up any more injuries to his squad.

Kevin Mirallas is absent with a hamstring problem, while Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy are doubts after picking up injuries in the draw with Liverpool.

One piece of positive news is the return to fitness of midfielder Steven Pienaar.

Recent form

Manchester United: LDWLW

Everton: WLLDD

Possible starting lineups

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Rojo, Shaw, McNair; Blind, Fletcher, Di Maria; Mata, Van Persie, Falcao

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Stones, Jagielka, Baines; Osman, Barry, Atsu, Pienaar, McGeady; Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 3-1