Man Utd v Everton FA Cup Tips: Rashford can extend scoring streak

The current contrasting fortunes of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Everton boss Frank Lampard create an exciting narrative for this FA Cup clash. 

Man United are looking to extend their winning streak to seven games in all competitions in this third-round clash, while the Toffees’ poor run hit new lows with a 4-1 home drubbing by Brighton on Tuesday. Could another loss here be the end of Lampard’s tutelage?

Clicking into gear

After a dismal start to the 2022/23 campaign, Manchester United fans must have feared another season of stagnation. But the evidence of the last couple of weeks suggests Erik ten Hag’s side have turned a corner - and in a big way.

Following a rocky couple of years, Man United are now fourth in the Premier League while qualifying for the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup and the knockout phase of the Europa League. This eminently winnable FA Cup tie is another thing to look forward to for United’s fanbase.

They head into this fixture full of confidence after four consecutive wins since the season restarted after World Cup 2022. They have not so much as conceded a goal in that time, and in three of the four encounters they have held a lead at the interval.

With that in mind, consider backing Manchester United to be winning after both 45 minutes and 90 minutes – the half-time/full-time double is available at an attractive price of 2.24.

Everton have other priorities

Frank Lampard will take charge of Friday’s game but his future beyond that remains uncertain. After a run of six Premier League games without a win, Everton dropped into the bottom three earlier this week.

Relegation is a genuine fear at Goodison Park once more, and the Toffees’ precarious position in the top flight means they are unlikely to be too disappointed by an early exit from the FA Cup. The Premier League must be the priority and Lampard may opt to rest some of his regular starters with crunch clashes against fellow strugglers Southampton and West Ham United looming on the horizon.

Frank Lampard: his Everton job is on the line after a string of bad results

Even a first-choice XI would find it difficult to penetrate an opposition backline that has kept four clean sheets on the bounce. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Everton in the Premier League, so odds of 2 on the Merseysiders drawing a blank are worth taking up.

Rashford can continue fine form

Marcus Rashford has bounced back to his best under Erik ten Hag. Having long been tipped to star as a centre-forward at Old Trafford, the England international is in fact best suited to his current left-sided role, which encourages him to run at defenders and cut infield onto his stronger right foot.

Rashford has found the back of the net in each of United’s four outings since the action in Qatar ended. With Cristiano Ronaldo and his overbearing personality having now departed the stage, Rashford has assumed the role of their talisman in attack. Against a struggling Everton side, he looks good value to score anytime at 2.1.

Manchester United v Everton FA Cup Tips

Manchester United half-time/full-time @ 2.24
Everton to score under 0.5 goals @ 2
Marcus Rashford to score anytime @ 2.1