Manchester United travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday (February 16th) and will be out for revenge against a tricky Everton side. One of the most disappointing performances of the season came against the Toffees at Old Trafford in November.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s impressive first-half strike led to a 1-0 defeat for United. The writing was on the wall for Ruben Amorim in that game, given his side couldn’t capitalise on a one-man advantage following Idrissa Gueye’s 13th-minute red card.
Michael Carrick will be the man in the dugout for the clash between the two sides. He will be eager to continue a stunning start to his second spell as caretaker manager.
United remain unbeaten since Carrick replaced Amorim in early January, although the Reds dropped points last time out. A 1-1 draw against West Ham United served as a wake-up call that there is still plenty of work to do.
Maguire fears allayed
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench and scored a 90+6th-minute equaliser at the London Stadium. It was a tough outing for Carrick’s men, who remain fourth ahead of the Everton game.
Harry Maguire came off with a hamstring injury in the second half. There were fears that the English defender might face a spell on the sidelines.
That doesn’t appear to be the case, as Maguire was present at training with his teammates. He was spotted with his fellow players in videos posted by Manchester United’s X account.
Maguire has been vital this season, and Carrick has continuously used him alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence. If the Englishman is indeed fit to play against Everton, it will be a massive boost given how gritty David Moyes’ teams can be.
Mount is back
That’s not the only good news for the Reds as Mason Mount is also expected to be available for Monday’s meeting with the Merseysiders. The English midfielder has been out of action since the start of February with a knock.
Mount missed a stunning 3-2 win over Fulham and a comfortable 2-0 victory against 10-man Tottenham. He also sat out the draw against West Ham but seems ready to return for the encounter with Moyes’ men.
Carrick said last week that the 27-year-old would ‘definitely be back’ for the Everton game. He has lost some of his prominence under the interim coach, but has a chance to play his way back into the team.
Mount has endured an injury-ridden spell at Old Trafford since arriving from Chelsea for £55m in July 2023. He is surely under pressure to remain fit ahead of the summer transfer window when the club are likely to make additions in midfield.
No De Ligt
The unfortunate news is that Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem he picked up in November. The Dutch defender was enjoying an outstanding season before spending months rehabilitating, and the trip to Everton has come too soon.
De Ligt was a regular starter for Manchester United before sustaining a back injury in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Once the 26-year-old is fit, he will be looking to reclaim a place in Carrick’s team.
The former Bayern Munich man has yet to even appear under the English coach. Having him back for the final stretch of the season will be crucial and give Carrick another option in defence.
