A trip to Merseyside is always a daunting prospect for Manchester United, whether that be against arch-rivals Liverpool or typically tough Everton. This Monday sees Michael Carrick’s men travel to Hill Dickinson Stadium, and with revenge on their mind.
A 1-0 loss to the Toffees at Old Trafford back in November was arguably the lowest point of the season. The visitors played the majority of the game with 10 men following Idrissa Gueye’s sending off.
This is a different United team, though, firing on all cylinders under Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim mid-January. His side remains unbeaten in five games, although they settled for a point away to West Ham United last time out.
Man United eye Everton revenge
A return to UEFA Champions League football is Manchester United and Carrick’s aim. They currently sit fourth in the table, three points above sixth-placed Liverpool.
United face an Everton side that is performing better on the road than at their new stomping ground. Moyes’ men are eighth, and have suffered just one loss in their last five games.
That came at Hill Dickinson in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month. It will be another test for Carrick, who oversaw incredible wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in January.
Merson says
Paul Merson has given his verdict on how the game will pan out between the two sides on Monday. The former Arsenal midfielder wrote in his Sportskeeda column:
“The pressure will be on Manchester United because they are playing after Chelsea and Liverpool this weekend. I don’t think Everton are great at home, so at least that’s an advantage for United.”
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench and scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to West Ham. His sensational strike ensured Carrick remains unbeaten since taking charge of the Reds.
Merson added:
“I like how Manchester United did not give up against West Ham and got that late draw. Michael Carrick took a chance to try to get back in the game. He gambled like Sir Alex Ferguson would have and they got the draw. I liked that about him.“
Carrick’s side have scored 11 goals in five games, including three in a thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. His defence have been impressive, keeping two clean sheets since he returned to the Old Trafford dugout.
Merson concluded:
“Manchester United will create chances in this game, and I fully expect them to score enough to get the win over Everton.”
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Manchester United
Sutton says
Manchester United were given a week’s courtesy after their FA Cup elimination last month. That allowed the players to rest and prepare for the Everton game, which Carrick felt was beneficial.
While Merson is confident the Reds have enough to pick up all three points, Chris Sutton isn’t. The former Blackburn Rovers striker pointed out the defeat at the Theatre of Dreams, writing for BBC Sport:
“Manchester United lost at home to Everton in November despite the Toffees going down to 10 men in the 13th minute, when Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking his team-mate Michael Keane. Ruben Amorim’s United just could not find a way of breaking Everton down that night, but there is a very different feel about them now Michael Carrick is in charge.”
The draw against West Ham was almost certainly the Reds’ worst performance of Carrick’s second spell as caretaker manager. He came up against a low block, and his attackers weren’t quite at the races as they have been since his arrival.
Sutton added:
“They needed a stoppage-time equaliser to get a point at West Ham last time out but they seem much more confident and have been playing well. This will be a tough game for them, but as I’ve mentioned previously, Everton have picked up more points on the road this season than they have done at home.”
Chelsea and Liverpool are in action before United face the Toffees. If the Blues beat Burnley today (February 21st) and the defending champions win against Nottingham Forest by three goals tomorrow, that could send the Reds down to sixth.
Sutton reckons a stalemate is on the cards:
“That’s another reason why I fancy United to get something here, and stop David Moyes doing the double over his former club.”
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Manchester United
A draw wouldn’t be the worst outcome, given Moyes’ men are a nuisance to come up against. But with a top-four finish in United’s hands, they will be eager to get back to winning ways.
