Manchester United will need to be at their sharpest when they travel to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Their emphatic 5-2 win over Ipswich Town has provided a welcome boost, but another difficult test awaits.
One player in particular could cause serious problems for the Red Devils: Thierno Barry.
The Everton striker has made an explosive start to the new campaign, scoring four goals in his first three competitive appearances. His confidence is growing quickly, and that could be a major concern for a Manchester United defense that has already shown signs of vulnerability.
What makes Barry’s rise even more intriguing is that Thierry Henry identified his qualities last season. The Premier League legend’s assessment is now beginning to look increasingly accurate.
Thierno Barry Has Started the Season on Fire
Barry has wasted little time making his presence felt at Everton.
The 23-year-old striker scored against Crystal Palace in Everton’s opening Premier League fixture. He then produced an even more impressive performance in the Carabao Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Preston North End.
That gives Barry four goals in three matches at the start of the season.
More importantly, his performances appear to have strengthened his confidence. With Iliman Ndiaye and Beto leaving Everton, there is now greater opportunity for Barry to establish himself as a key figure in David Moyes’ attack.
Barry has made it clear that he wants to take advantage of that opportunity.
“I said this season has to be mine,” Barry said after his hat-trick. He also highlighted the work he had put in during the summer and credited his teammates for helping him.
That mindset could make him particularly dangerous against Manchester United.
Why Thierry Henry Believed in Barry
Barry’s current form is also putting fresh attention on Thierry Henry’s previous comments about the striker.
Everton signed Barry from Villarreal for around £27 million, but there was uncertainty over whether he could immediately meet expectations at his new club.
Henry, however, saw qualities that made Barry an interesting prospect.
The former France and Arsenal star praised Barry’s ability to hold up the ball, bring teammates into attacking situations and contribute to counter-attacks.
Henry also highlighted his mobility, an important characteristic for a striker operating in a modern attacking system.
Barry’s first season in Merseyside was not straightforward, but he now appears to be playing with greater confidence.
Several factors could help him maintain that momentum:
- He has already scored four goals this season.
- His hat-trick has boosted his confidence.
- He has an opportunity to become a more prominent figure in Everton’s attack.
- Henry identified his ability to contribute beyond simply scoring goals.
- Barry is determined to make the current season his breakthrough campaign.
The Manchester United defense will have to deal with all of those qualities.
Manchester United’s Defense Still Has Questions
Manchester United’s recent results have shown two very different sides of the team.
They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Hull City before responding with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
The win over Ipswich was impressive from an attacking perspective, but defensive concerns remain.
United conceded first against Ipswich and had moments when their back line looked vulnerable. Luke Shaw has attracted particular attention after making important mistakes in both matches.
Against Everton, United will need to be more disciplined, especially when dealing with crosses and deliveries into the penalty area.
There have also been concerns elsewhere in defense. Lisandro Martinez, for example, lost possession after being dispossessed by Julio Enciso during the build-up to Ipswich’s second goal.
Against a striker enjoying Barry’s current level of confidence, those mistakes could prove costly.
Michael Carrick Expects a Difficult Everton Test
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under no illusion about the challenge waiting at Everton.
Carrick has experienced difficult matches at Goodison Park during his playing and coaching career. He knows that traveling to Everton can require a significant physical and tactical effort.
He also praised David Moyes and the quality available within the Everton squad.
According to Carrick, Everton have talented attacking players and United should expect a very difficult game.
That assessment is understandable even though Everton have experienced complications at the end of the transfer window.
Moyes can only register 19 players in his Premier League squad rather than the maximum of 25 after several departures on deadline day.
However, squad complications do not make Barry any less dangerous.
Barry Could Test United’s Defensive Discipline
The key battle could come down to how effectively Manchester United control Barry.
The striker has already demonstrated that he can score in different situations. His four goals in three matches have also given him the confidence to attack defenders aggressively.
United therefore cannot afford to give him unnecessary space around the box.
The defensive priorities are clear:
- Limit space in dangerous areas.
- Prevent easy crosses into the penalty area.
- Avoid individual mistakes when building from the back.
- Stay compact when Everton launch quick attacks.
- Make Barry work for every opportunity.
If United fail to maintain concentration, Everton have a forward capable of taking advantage.
Henry’s Prediction Is Starting to Look Spot On
Manchester United may arrive at Everton with confidence after their 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, but this is unlikely to be a straightforward assignment.
Thierno Barry has quickly emerged as one of Everton’s biggest attacking threats. His goals, confidence and increased responsibility make him a player United cannot afford to overlook.
For Barry, the match also represents another opportunity to demonstrate that his impressive start is more than a short-term run of form.
And for Thierry Henry, Barry’s emergence is providing an interesting reminder of the qualities he identified last season.
The prediction has not been fully proven yet, but the early signs are certainly encouraging.
If Manchester United’s defense gives Barry the opportunities he needs, the Everton striker could turn Henry’s previous praise into an even stronger statement of his own.
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