Michael Carrick is set to take Manchester United on a first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson stadium to face Everton on Monday night, but the Toffees will give him nightmares.
While it will be the first time Michael Carrick takes charge of Manchester United against Everton, he has been on the bench against them before.
This came back in April 2019, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge and his incredible interim period form had worn off.
United were thrashed 4-0 by Everton at Goodison Park, a sixth loss in eight for Solskjaer’s Red Devils, a devastating low. Now, Carrick has the chance to even the score and survive a test that led to one of Solskjaer’s lowest moments.
Let’s hear your predictions for Man Utd’s next game vs Everton (A)…
Our recent record vs Everton has been mixed, can Michael Carrick take us to a win?
Recent results vs Everton graphic
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Michael Carrick witnessed Everton deal Ole Gunnar Solskjaer an early low
After this defeat, Solskjaer gave a damning indictment of his United squad to the press.
“I’m going to be successful here, and there are players here who are not going to be a part of it.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks frustrated after a defeat
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This was a moment that no doubt also affected Carrick, with a heavy defeat which was pure domination, signalling that the fairytale start was over.
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United had already appointed Solskjaer as the permanent boss by then, but it was still a complete killer.
Carrick won’t have any such words to say after the game on Monday night, with the squad arguably the best it has been in years, and he’s also currently not permanent.
However, the humiliation of being thrashed by Everton is not something Carrick will want to repeat.
A defeat on Monday would certainly end his chances of securing that role. But Carrick’s task of beating Everton away is considerably easier than Solskjaer’s.
Solskjaer’s early spell as Man Utd boss was ripped apart vs Everton away in 2019
What are your memories from this horrific 4-0 defeat to Everton?
Utd vs Everton (A) 2019
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Carrick’s Manchester United won’t face the same hostile environment
Carrick is wary of Everton this season, as they are a good side with a good manager in David Moyes. The Toffees beat United this season 1-0 at Old Trafford with 10 men, which adds to the concern, albeit that was under Ruben Amorim.
However, the biggest advantage United have is that the game isn’t being played at Goodison Park.
Everton’s former stadium was an intimidating old-school ground that always had an aura around it. But the Hill Dickinson at Bramley Moore Dock is nothing like that.
A hollow modern stadium without soul, Everton has only won four games there all Premier League season, a massive contrast to their away form.
Everton’s fans are brilliant, but the stadium doesn’t scare teams, as it can feel like a neutral ground at times. United need to take advantage of this and score a convincing win to end Carrick’s nightmares against Everton.
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