Michael Carrick won’t want a repeat of the last performance Manchester United put in against Everton when they meet tonight. A 1-0 defeat in November at Old Trafford came against 10 men for the majority of the match.
The Red Devils have since enjoyed an upturn in form and are on course for Champions League qualification. Carrick wasn’t in charge of the defeat at home, but he’ll be reminding his players of that dismal night.
Carrick has overseen four wins in five games since replacing Ruben Amorim in early January. He is unbeaten, and he’ll be eager for it to remain that way against David Moyes’ men.
The only time United have dropped points came last time out when they drew 1-1 away to West Ham United. Benjamin Sesko came off the bench and hit a stunning strike in stoppage time at the London Stadium.
Sesko starts to shine
Sesko might well have earned himself a start at Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight. If he does lead the line from the off, he needs to make the most of his opportunity.
The jury is still out on the 22-year-old following his big-money move to Old Trafford last summer. United forked out £73m to bring the Slovenian striker to the Theatre of Dreams.
Sesko has made a slow start to life in the Premier League but has scored two vital goals. He scored a last-gasp winner in a 3-2 win over Fulham last month.
The former RB Leipzig frontman was at it again against West Ham, meeting Bryan Mbeumo’s cross first time and burying the ball past Mads Hermansen. He has been somewhat of a super-sub, but will be eager to make his first start since Carrick took charge.
Sesko’s six-foot-five-inch frame will come in handy against a dogged Everton side. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski will likely be chosen by Moyes in central defence.
The Slovenian’s goal against West Ham was his sixth in 21 league games. Tonight is the perfect night for him to prove his worth.
Look out Luke
Injuries have been a massive problem for Luke Shaw throughout his time at United. The English defender is one of the best full-backs in Europe on his day, but staying fit is his main challenge.
There have been no such issues this season for the 30-year-old whose contributions have gone under the radar. Unfortunately, the only time England manager Thomas Tuchel caught him in action was one of his more frustrating nights.
Shaw failed to deal with West Ham’s counterattack effectively, allowing the Hammers to break. His indecisiveness cost United, but that’s the only blight in what has been an impressive campaign.
With a possible return to the Three Lions team at stake, he needs to remind Tuchel that he’s the best left-back in the country. He’ll come up against Iliman Ndiaye, arguably the hosts’ best player, and this will be a real test for him.
Cunha clicks into gear
Carrick’s appointment has resulted in several United players showing improvement. Matheus Cunha started his new coach’s second reign on the bench but made his mark when introduced.
Cunha assisted Patrick Dorgu for the Reds’ second goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester City. He then scored one of the goals of the season to help his side clinch a sensational 3-2 victory against Arsenal.
The Brazilian has since been a starter after Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury at the Emirates. The 26-year-old has started to replicate his stunning displays from last season at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United will be hoping he comes to the fore at Hill Dickinson and can get the better of likely starting right-back Nathan Patterson. His dazzling runs and clever trickery should leave the Toffees stuck.
