Michael Carrick won’t be forced into a huge decision for his Everton team selection, following Manchester United training.
Manchester United have been left without another weekend of football due to their third-round FA Cup elimination to Brighton and Hove Albion under Darren Fletcher.
As such, United players were handed some days away from Carrington before returning earlier this week to prepare for their next match against Everton on Monday, 23 February.
United are yet to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but drew their last away game against Everton last season. Chido Obi made his debut in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Earlier this campaign, Rúben Amorim’s side lost 1-0 to 10-man Everton. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hit a wonder strike after Idrissa Gueye’s red card for slapping teammate Michael Keane, and it was unstoppable for Senne Lammens.
As United prepare for the game, a training video has been released, showing that Michael Carrick will be without some key players.
Carrick left without big call
Patrick Dorgu started Carrick’s first two games as the left-winger, with Matheus Cunha left on the bench. However, Dorgu’s hamstring injury has handed Cunha a starting spot.
As expected, Dorgu is yet to return to training, and Mason Mount also remains out of action. The England international is another who will be fighting for the left-wing spot, but his injury has taken his chance away from him.
The short training video published by United on X shows no Mount or Dorgu, although Harry Maguire has returned, following his hamstring scare against West Ham United.
Rather than a difficult call on the left flank, Carrick’s biggest decision will be in central defence.
Leny Yoro impressed after replacing Maguire, with some calling for him to start for what would be just the 13th time in the Premier League this season, but Maguire is likely to keep his place if declared fully fit.
United’s defensive dilemma
Along with Yoro, Ayden Heaven also won’t be happy with his game time this season. Heaven has started just eight Premier League games this campaign, with his first coming at the start of December.
He will likely play second fiddle until the end of the year, with Lisandro Martínez ahead of him on the left side of central defence.
Back to the right-hand side, Matthijs de Ligt is still out injured, meaning United will have Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro and Tyler Fredricson for just one position until the end of the season.
In the summer, United need to move on at least one of their central defenders, even if they qualify for Europe. Six senior centre-backs are too much for any back-four side.
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