Silva urges Everton improvement as he eyes Manchester United victory

Marco Silva has urged his Everton side to return to the levels that saw them win three successive matches when Manchester United arrive at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Toffees beat Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal without conceding a goal before inexplicably crashing to a 2-0 defeat at already-relegated Fulham last weekend.

Silva is keen for his players to put that Craven Cottage defeat behind them and replicate their earlier form against the Red Devils.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese said:

“If we are on our best level, it will be tough for them.

“If we can reach the same level we have played in the last three home games, it will be really tough for them.”

Everton performed admirably at Old Trafford in October, but ultimately lost 2-1 thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial.

A lot has changed at Old Trafford since, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coming in to replace Jose Mourinho.

Silva wouldn’t be drawn into comparing the two managers, but did acknowledge the challenge facing his side.

“I understand what you are trying to reach with this question!

“Different coaches...different formations...they are changing many times their formation.

“When we played against them at Old Trafford, in that moment we were in a very good moment.

“It’s a different moment of the season but I’m 100% sure it will be tough for us and them.

“They can play with 6/7 different players in the attack line, all with high quality.

“Strong midfielders also. It’s up to us to do our best and try to win the game.”