Pundit Paul Merson has identified one point about Michael Carrick sparking comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Everton.
Michael Carrick has revived Old Trafford as Manchester United are on a run of five games unbeaten, securing 13 points out of a possible 15 in the Premier League.
Their most recent fixture saw Benjamin Šeško secure a point against West Ham with a 96th-minute equaliser in United’s 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
Many believe Carrick could secure a permanent job at Old Trafford if his form continues. The former Middlesbrough manager has already outclassed Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham as his unbeaten run continues.
Ahead of United’s first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton, former Arsenal player Paul Merson has spotted a trait in Carrick shown against West Ham comparable to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
Paul Merson sees elements of Sir Alex in Carrick
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson picked up a quality in Carrick’s side, throwing it back to the days of Sir Alex.
“I like how Manchester United did not give up against West Ham and for that late draw,” he stated.
“Michael Carrick took a chance to try and get back in the game. He gambled as Sir Alex Ferguson would have, and they got the draw. I liked that about him.”
Carrick has stuck with an almost identical starting eleven in every outing since his arrival, but taking the risk with Šeško off the bench at the London Stadium and rallying the pressure on the Hammers secured the equaliser that United deservedly secured.
Carrick’s players dug deep and gave it everything in the dying embers of the game, with last-ditch tackles from Leny Yoro, tracking runs from Bryan Mbeumo and an instinctive finish from Šeško.
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Merson makes Man Utd vs Everton prediction
United are pushing for a Champions League finish, in an attempt to qualify for the competition for the first time since 2023/24 under Erik ten Hag.
With United’s first-ever trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium looming on Monday night, Merson made his prediction ahead of the tie as “pressure” grows on the Red Devils.
“The pressure will be on Manchester United because they are playing after Chelsea and Liverpool this weekend,” he explained.
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“I don’t think Everton are great at home, so at least that’s an advantage for United. Everton have not won in their last five home games in the League.”
He continued: “Manchester United will create chances in this game, and I fully expect them to score enough to get the win over Everton.”
United already faced Everton in an embarrassing 1-0 loss at Old Trafford against ten men, so Carrick’s side will be desperate for redemption.
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