REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Manchester United will look to build on a convincing 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend with a visit to Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture will take place under a huge cloud over the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Toffees' mood at a low following a dreadful end to the transfer window. David Moyes saw his side able to submit just 19 players instead of 25 in their Premier League squad this week, having been raided by rivals on deadline day.
The Red Devils will have the scent of another three points, but must not underestimate Everton, who are powered by an in-form bagsman who can cause the visitors serious problems.
Thierno Barry in fine form for Everton
REUTERS/Ian Hodgson
Thierno Barry has four goals in three matches for Everton so far this season, and may be licking his lips at the thought of a Man Utd defence that have conceded twice in both outings so far.
The 23-year-old has had a slow start to life on Merseyside, but looks to have the bit between his teeth right now, scoring against Crystal Palace in the opener and then adding a hat-trick against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.
Barry certainly looks like a player who can cause Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez problems. The striker is visibly determined and outspoken in sharing that attitude, after a tricky first season with the club.
Speaking after the hat-trick in the cup, Barry said: "I say this season needs to be mine. I try a lot this summer for that so I'm very happy to score my first hat-trick with Everton. I work a lot for that, I'm very happy, my team-mates helped me a lot also."
Thierry Henry predicted striker's strong second season
Thierno Barry
Thierno Barry
It appears that Barry is fulfilling a prophecy predicted by Premier League legend Thierry Henry last season. The Frenchman saw a diamond in the rough when Everton paid £27million to sign the player from Villarreal.
Last year, Henry said: "I like when you have a striker that can hold the ball for you, and invite players in, go on the counter. He’s mobile. He’s always been a player that people doubt at the beginning, but they end up liking him."
Everton fans are certainly growing to like the player and, following the sales of Iliman Ndiaye and Beto, Barry now has a free run at the starting role. The goals are there for the taking, and that should cause concern for a Man Utd back line accused of lacking character this term.
A 2-0 defeat to Hull City was followed up by conceding first against Ipswich Town. Luke Shaw committed critical errors in both of those matches and must up his game to stop balls coming into the box for Barry.
It's not just Shaw who has been sloppy this season, with Martinez dispossessed by Julio Enciso in the run up to the second Ipswich Town goal. Carrick knows that his side must be switched on from the start against Barry, and an Everton team yet to lose this season.
In his pre-match press conference, Carrick said: "To be honest, however long I've been going to Everton, every single game has been as tough as they come. We've had some good results and not so good results, last year epitomises how hard it was and how much we had to give to get the result.
"Whatever position they're in, wherever in the league, historically when I've gone there it's been tough, whatever state they're in. David's a terrific manager and they've got a good squad, some talent in that group and some very good attacking players. We're expecting as tough a game as it is."