Although some have suggested that a prolonged break could prove detrimental for a much-improved Manchester United, Michael Carrick has welcomed the opportunity for internal reflection.
Benjamin Sesko’s injury-time equaliser against West Ham extended the Reds’ unbeaten Premier League run to nine before a 13-day wait ahead of a trip to Everton.
Carrick has enjoyed a dream start to life in the hot seat, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 and earning plaudits across the division.
He’ll pit himself against David Moyes’ Toffees on Monday evening with another opportunity to capitalise on points dropped by Arsenal, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
While nothing is being taken for granted, the United chief is pleased with what he seen from his men throughout the last fortnight. “We’ve tried to make it useful,” he said when asked about the lack of gametime.
“I think when there’s change, and the kind of the month or so that we had together, it was important for everyone to have a couple of days to digest that and take it in.
“So, the boys trained a bit, had a few days off, trained a bit again – looking to get the balance right. Keeping the rhythm, keeping the sharpness, keeping that focus, which, I have to say, the boys have been really good in training again.”
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The 44-year-old tactician has managed without the services of Patrick Dorgu, Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount for several weeks.
Although the lack of cup competition has complemented his squad, Michael remains positive regarding the rehabilitation and the process taken with each player.
“Yeah, Mason’s getting closer. I think we’re going to be patient as well, and we have been patient with him, so we don’t want to push anything,” he told the media.
“He’s an important part of the group, Mason, and we want him back and fit, and he’ll have a big impact for us. So, he’s getting closer, which is good for us.
“Matta, a little bit working towards it, but as I said last week, he’s a little bit behind Mason, really, so we’re just trying to work with him, to progress him, to get him a bit closer.”
Monday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium will supply an opportunity to make amends for November’s 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, in what was a rare win for Everton at M16.
Regardless, Moyes’ men have enjoyed a promising recent spell with only one defeat in their previous six Premier League outings.
But this is a different United side we see today, with a brand of attacking football, bravado and technical interplay befitting the famous badge.
Three points would close the gap on Villa to three, and also move the 20-time English champions to within 10 points of league-leading Arsenal (stranger things have happened, folks).
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Will Carrick’s men continue their unbeaten form against Everton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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