Alan Shearer has explained he feels Everton have a very specific advantage that could kill Michael Carrick’s momentum at Manchester United on Monday night.
Manchester United return to action after a 13-day break on Monday evening, when Michael Carrick’s side travel to face Everton in a Premier League encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The fixture will be the senior men’s team’s first appearance at Everton’s new home, although United’s women previously claimed a 4–1 victory over the Toffees in the WSL at the same venue in October 2025.
Carrick’s men will be eager to bounce back from their 1–1 draw with West Ham United in London two weeks ago. Currently fourth in the table, they remain in a strong position in the race for Champions League qualification.
However, Chelsea are just one point behind in fifth, while Liverpool are two points further behind. With the margins so fine, Carrick’s side know there is little room for error against David Moyes’s team.
Shearer feels Everton’s fans can hamper United
United are yet to lose a league game since the turn of the year, having won four and drawn three of their seven Premier League ties since the beginning of January.
However, former Premier League striker and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer feels that the “amazing” atmosphere at Everton’s new ground could make the game really tough for Carrick’s men.
“It is a tough one, but I think the atmosphere will be amazing and it’ll be tough for Man United regardless of the good form they are in,” Shearer told Betfair when asked for his weekend predictions. “I think I’m going to say a draw.”
However, considering that United dealt very well with league leaders Arsenal away from home last month, Carrick’s Reds have already shown that they know how to play when the stadium is against them.
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Carrick has a tough XI decision to make
United’s five fixtures under Carrick so far have seen the English coach make only one change to his starting XI. Even then, this was a forced one, with Matheus Cunha replacing Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu due to a hamstring injury.
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However, with his Reds travelling to face Everton, some feel that Benjamin Šeško must be given a chance up front. The Slovenian has scored two very late goals for United in the games against Fulham and West Ham, earning United three points with his two strikes.
But, if the 22-year-old is to play as the starting striker against Everton, the question then becomes who is dropped from the front line to accommodate him.
Cunha was brilliant from the bench earlier this season, but is the best choice on the left for now. Bryan Mbeumo has been scoring goals up front, but could play on the right, although this is where Amad has been at his most influential. Who Carrick starts in the front line is a tough choice.
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