Early look at Everton vs Man Utd: Team News, Injuries & Tactics

Michael Carrick’s flawless start to life at Old Trafford ended abruptly on Tuesday as West Ham United held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.

Despite dropping points for the first time in five Premier League games in charge of the club, Carrick has reinforced United’s top-four hopes, steering them a point clear of fifth-placed Chelsea.

However, there’s no room for complacency as the Red Devils must fend off the likes of reigning holders Liverpool and perennial contenders Chelsea to dine at Europe’s top table again.

Next on Carrick’s list of assignments is Man Utd’s maiden trip to Everton’s brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium for a must-win clash against David Moyes’ European hopefuls.

Though the 20-time English champions head into proceedings as 9/10 favourites to avenge a stomach-wrenching 1-0 defeat in November’s reverse fixture, United cannot take anything for granted.

Confidence stems from a promising return of two wins from their last three away league meetings with the Toffees (D1), but a growing injury list threatens to leave Carrick with his work cut out.

In addition to long-term absentee Matthijs de Ligt, the 44-year-old manager is at risk of missing several other elite first-team stars for the upcoming trip to Merseyside.

Who is out?

De Ligt has been out of action since November with a back problem, and he is likely to sit out this fixture.

With the Dutchman still in the pits, Carrick will appreciate Harry Maguire’s return from injury.

Indeed, the 32-year-old centre-back had to come off midway through the second half of United’s draw against West Ham, with Leny Yoro taking his place.

However, the former captain has reportedly taken part in training at Carrington and will almost certainly be at Carrick’s disposal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Meanwhile, Patrick Dorgu sustained a nasty hamstring injury just as Carrick was beginning to transform his role at the Theatre of Dreams and is expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks.

The 21-year-old winger had scored in back-to-back league games against Arsenal and Manchester City before this fitness setback hindered his momentum.

With Dorgu out, Matheus Cunha is poised to start on the left wing, despite an underwhelming display against West Ham, where Amad Diallo also struggled to make an impact.

Last but not least, Mason Mount was unavailable for the match against West Ham due to a minor fitness problem, continuing his injury-marred stint in Manchester.

United’s No.7 suffered a knock in training last month, forcing him to miss the last three Premier League games. However, there’s a good chance he could be part of the travelling squad next week.

How Man Utd could line up

Maguire should benefit from Manchester United’s extended break, with the Red Devils already out of the FA Cup following a home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

If fully fit, he is likely to partner up with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Carrick’s defence, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot expected to start on the flanks.

Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo have excelled in the double pivot under Carrick and should have guaranteed starting spots in Liverpool at the expense of Manuel Ugarte and Tyler Fletcher.

Despite his disjointed performance against the Irons, Amad might get the nod on the right wing, especially given Mount’s recent layoff, with Cunha expected to start on the left.

The Brazilian forward will play in support of high-flying Bryan Mbeumo, a player he recently said he ‘loves being around’ during an interview with the club’s official website.”

Finally, Bruno Fernandes will operate as the advanced playmaker, hoping to drive forward play and create chances for his teammates, as he has consistently done all season. 

Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Shaw, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Cunha, Fernandes, Amad; Mbeumo. 

The post Early look at Everton vs Man Utd: Team News, Injuries & Tactics first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.