Everton vs Manchester United Preview

Everton’s Steven Pienaar is a major doubt for Sunday’s visit of Manchester United after struggling with muscle fatigue.

However, fellow midfielders Leon Osman (groin) and James McCarthy (ankle) both returned to training on Friday and should be available.

Striker Romelu Lukaku reported no after-effects from his first appearance in a month last weekend.

Manager Roberto Martinez believes his side have unfinished business against United after their meeting earlier this season.

The Toffees lost 2-1 at Old Trafford on an October day when Leighton Baines missed his first penalty after 14 successful attempts before Leon Osman and Bryan Oviedo were denied by fine late saves from David de Gea.

Having famously done the double over United last season, Martinez thinks there is room for payback at Goodison Park on Sunday – even though the Red Devils are in far better form than their first encounter.

“I felt we were a little hard done by at Old Trafford, the way we finished that game we deserved better and David De Gea made two world-class saves,” said the Spaniard.

“We feel we have something to get back from that earlier game.”

United boss Louis van Gaal has reminded Marouane Fellaini he must keep his cool on his first return to Goodison.

Fellaini missed United’s defeat at Everton last year through injury so Sunday’s match will be the first time he has been back to the ground where he enjoyed five successful years.

The Belgian was something of a cult hero for many Everton fans so the news of his B£27.5million move to United at the beginning of last season did not go down so well among many of the Toffees’ faithful.

Fellaini has been accused of having a fiery temper at times, so with that in mind, Van Gaal felt it necessary to speak to the 27-year-old, who has been in fine form recently.

“I have spoken with Fellaini because I know this,” the United boss said.

“Fellaini is always dry in his answers. He said ‘it’s a game’.

“(I said): ‘Yes, but it’s a special game for you.’

“I hope the fans shall receive him like the Chelsea fans received Juan Mata because I like that very much. I hope it’s like that.”

United head to Everton without first-team regulars Phil Jones, Michael Carrick and Marcos Rojo, who have still not recovered from the injuries that kept them out of last week’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Van Gaal also confirmed right-back Rafael would be out for the rest of the season with a rib injury he suffered in an Under-21 match versus Leicester on Monday.

”It’s unbelievable. ‘He has broken his ribs so he shall not play any more this season for Manchester United,” Van Gaal said of the Brazilian, who has not started a Barclays Premier League game since October.

“It’s very unfortunate.”

Adnan Januzaj and Daley Blind are doubts so Wayne Rooney may have to remain in central midfield. That does not necessarily mean striker Robin van Persie will be given his first start since overcoming an ankle injury that kept him out for two months though.