Manchester United are set to take on Everton on Monday, 23 February, in what will be the Red Devils' first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees' record at their new home is not exactly intimidating; however, a Premier League legend has suggested that the atmosphere inside the stadium could result in the match being a difficult one for Michael Carrick's side.
Alan Shearer backs Everton to take a point from Man Utd clash
Writing in the Metro this week, Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer, has suggested that the match will finish all square, regardless of the form of the two sides coming into the match. He said:
“It is a tough one, but I think the atmosphere will be amazing, and it’ll be tough for Man United regardless of the good form they are in. I think I’m going to say a draw.”
While eyebrows may be raised at Shearer's comments, especially as Everton haven't won a match here in 2026, there could be some legs to them. An Everton fan group have organised a huge pre-match display, which could inspire a brilliant performance on and off the pitch.
Our display on Monday night v Man United will be the biggest single stand flag display we have done yet. In the south stand upper and lower there will over 400 flags on display.
— The 1878s (@The1878s) February 19, 2026
The majority of these flags will be placed on random seats. We are kindly asking fans to help us… pic.twitter.com/kYLlnbGDVP
Hill Dickinson Stadium display planned for Man Utd visit
Posting on X, the 1878 Supporters Group confirmed their plans for over 400 flags to be on display in the South Stand on Monday night in what will be the biggest pre-match display at the stadium to date.
Katie Carter, a leading member of the group, is quoted by the Mirror as saying:
“It’s one of the steepest stands in Europe; it can be intimidating if we make it that way, so let’s decorate it with flags and let’s fill it with noise and get it going.
“Monday night is the perfect opportunity for that. Whether you know the person next to you or you don’t, sing along with them, like get right behind them, make sure that everyone is standing up, all singing and getting that atmosphere going in that ground.”
FGG says: Time to recreate the Goodison buzz
There is no doubt that Everton are missing the old-school, intimidating nature of Goodison Park, but that isn't to say that they can't find something similar at their new stadium in the coming years. The efforts of the 1878 group are not going unnoticed, and it should surprise nobody if the place is rocking on Monday night.