Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has addressed Everton’s special strategy to halt his unbeaten streak.
Brilliant start
Carrick is enjoying a dream start to life at United, having been appointed by the club in December as a temporary replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed after 14 months in charge.
Carrick has taken charge of five Premier League games, winning four and drawing one. This run includes victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Under the former midfielder, United have been transformed, playing an attractive, front-footed and aggressive style of play that has quickly galvanised supporters.
However, the 1-1 draw with West Ham in United’s last outing was a reminder that things are far from perfect. It highlighted the significant work still required, particularly when facing teams that sit in a low block. The Hammers sought to frustrate United and they nearly secured all three points, before Benjamin Sesko struck late to ensure the spoils were shared at the London Stadium.
David Moyes’ Everton are likely to deploy a similar approach when United visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening.
Making things even harder for the Red Devils, Everton fans are planning their biggest flag display of the season so far, with over 400 set to be on show inside the ground before kick-off.
Carrick spoke to MUTV and urged his players to relish the challenge of playing in the most hostile grounds.
Carrick addresses Everton plan
The legendary midfielder told club media, “That’s what we’re in football at this level for – the more the better really. Those are the atmospheres you want to test yourself in and be part of. It shows that it means something when you’re in that environment so we’re looking forward to it.”
“We’ve got to be ready for the game for what that’s going to bring but, all in all, a Monday-night game, Everton away, it will be a good night.”
Carrick added, “I’m looking forward to it [Hill Dickinson Stadium], I’ve never been so it’s my first time as well.”
“Goodison was a tough, tough place to go at the best of times, no matter how we were playing or how they were playing. It was always one of the toughest grounds to go to. David [Moyes] has got so much experience in the league so going there, seeing him again will be nice but we know it’s going to be a tough game and we’re ready for that.”
“As much as the new stadium is a thing, the game is the game and we’re looking forward to that. We’re going there in good form, in a good mood and good spirit and trying to keep this run going as much as we can.”
Carrick sends message to youngsters
Since his arrival, Carrick has taken a keen interest in United’s youth apparatus, which is something Amorim didn’t appear particularly interested in.
Carrick watched the Under-18s as they beat Oxford United 4-1 in the FA Youth Cup. The 44-year-old was also spotted cheering his son Jacey as the Under-16s took on Manchester City.
Asked about the kids coming through, Carrick explained, “Yeah, it was good. I enjoyed it. We went down, there was a number of the staff that went down and yeah it was always something we were trying to do and as much as we can, we’ll do that in between our fixtures.”
“In the Youth Cup, I’ve got great memories personally of the Youth Cup when I was younger.”
“[It is] such an important competition and so for us to go and watch, it’s good to get our eyes on some of the younger players and how they’re doing.”
“For them to feel that connection. I was really pleased with Colin [Little] and Fletch [Darren Fletcher] and the boys and I thought they played really well in tough conditions, actually. So to get a good result and move on was a good night.”
Everton vs. United kicks off at 8pm.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social