Manchester United will make the short trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium at the weekend with aspirations of building further momentum against Everton.
The Reds bounced back from an opening-day defeat with an emphatic three points against Ipswich last time out, hitting the Tractor Boys for five en route to a first Premier League win of the season.
Much of that sparkling display was enhanced by a dominant second-half performance at Old Trafford, and the travelling Reds will be keen to see if Bruno Fernandes and co can maintain that level of attacking intent.
The Portuguese star netted a hat-trick alongside a jaw-dropping assist on Sunday, further bolstering his status as the division’s star act while orchestrating matters in an interchanging front line.
Michael Carrick oozed his usual composure while addressing the media on Friday afternoon, reiterating his happiness with those inside his dressing room.
He will hope to replicate the winning outcome from the previous trip to Bramley-Moore Dock, ahead of a Champions League opener against Sabah on Thursday.
Benjamin Sesko netted the game’s only goal in February and has been working his way back into contention following a prolonged period on the physio table.
Carrick’s comments suggest that his domineering attacker is edging closer to a starting berth.
“Ben’s improving, he’s been improving his fitness all the time,” the United chief stated.
“He had some time off, which was important – that we give him the time to make sure he was right moving forward, with no setbacks.
“You can never guarantee that, but it gives Ben the chance to stay fit for as long as possible. He made big strides last season, and he’s still young and still adapting and learning and developing here.
“There’s loads more to come from Ben, so it’s just being patient with him, really. I’m really happy with how he’s come back, so looking forward to seeing him on the pitch a little bit more.”
Much has been made about the club’s summer transfer activity, with ample scrutiny pointed towards a decision to postpone defensive acquisitions.
Luke Shaw has shouldered much of the social angst of late following a forgettable outing against Ipswich. Still, the United chief feels he has sufficient options throughout the season, with Patrick Dorgu held in high regard.
“He [Dorgu] can certainly play there [left-back]; he has done, and I am not saying he can’t do that,” Carrick stated. “The way we’ve worked since I’ve been here, he’s unfortunately been injured for some time.
“For me, he’s almost like a new player to have, like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group.
“He played off the right for Denmark and scored a great goal in the summer; he can play left-back. He can do a number of things.
“At some point, he might have to do that. There are times in training when he does it. He’s only young, and having the attributes he has got, we have to try and get the most out of him.”
United have accumulated an impressive Premier League record against Everton, losing just twice in the past seven seasons (W7, D5, L2).
Interestingly, the Reds were held scoreless in both defeats, hitting 25 in the remaining 12 fixtures of what is usually an entertaining affair.
And although goals are rarely hard to come by, Carrick will be eager to see if his much-scrutinised backline can add to the five clean sheets from the previous seven encounters.
“However long I’ve been going to Everton, and I know it was Goodison before, every single game is as tough as they come,” the 45-year-old added.
“We’ve had some good results, we’ve had some not-so-good results, and last year epitomises how hard it was, and how much we had to give to get the result.”
John Brooks will officiate proceedings, with action scheduled to get underway at 2:00 p.m. BST on Sunday.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by News Images via depositphotos.com.
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