Exploring the line-up decisions Michael Carrick faces for Manchester United’s trip to Everton.
Manchester United take on Everton in the Monday night fixture on February 23, ending a near-fortnight long break without any matches.
United are hoping to keep up the momentum gained in the Michael Carrick era. The head coach is five matches unbeaten, winning four and drawing one.
Going a little further back, United are actually unbeaten in nine consecutive Premier League games, and could make it 10 for the first time since 2021.
So let’s take a look at the dilemmas Michael Carrick faces…
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 giving instructions to Benjamin Sesko
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Michael Carrick’s selection decisions
Michael Carrick has found a settled team for Manchester United, bearing in mind he is dealing with a handful of injuries. Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu are out for this game. Mason Mount could return – although is unlikely to start.
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United’s XI from the last game at West Ham saw Carrick stick with the same starters who beat Tottenham.
Lammens; Shaw, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Amad, Cunha, Mbeumo
There are three dilemmas facing Carrick leading into the fixture with Everton…
Does he bring Noussair Mazraoui in? Noussair Mazraoui has now had plenty of time to recover following his exertions at AFCON. Diogo Dalot has been consistent at right-back, but sooner or later Carrick might decide to make a change.
Leny Yoro or Harry Maguire? Harry Maguire sustained an injury against West Ham that saw him taken off as a precaution. Leny Yoro then came in and produced a superb defensive display that helped United salvage a point. Maguire has returned to training, but only Carrick and his coaching staff know if he is 100 per cent. Any doubt and Yoro should come in.
Benjamin Sesko to start? Who drops out? Benjamin Sesko is averaging a goal every 48 minutes over his last six appearances. His impressive 96th minute strike secured United a point away at West Ham, strengthening his own claims to start.
Sesko will be hoping for his first start under Carrick, and if he does come in, who drops out? If Matheus Cunha were to return to the bench, Amad may have to switch to the left. Mbeumo has been too useful lately to sit out. Could Amad make way?
What would be your United front three against Everton?
All have impressed under Carrick, but only Amad is yet to contribute…
Manchester United scorers
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United can move clear
With only one game per week until the end of the season, there is not enough game time to go around. United’s impressive form means that Carrick has tricky decisions to make.
Chelsea’s draw with Burnley means United can move three points clear into fourth place, and close the gap on Aston Villa in third.
Everton will not be easy opponents, after beating Ruben Amorim’s United 1-0 earlier in the season at Old Trafford.
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