MICHAEL CARRICK has warned Everton that Mason Mount is edging closer to a return but Monday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has come a fraction too soon for the crocked star.
The Manchester United head coach is set to name an unchanged side for the long haul to Merseyside as his patched up squad looks to keep the pressure on in the Premier League top four scrap.
Mount has been missing since the end of January after pulling up in training just as he was building up a head of steam. He was last spotted in a matchday squad at the Emirates, but a cruel knock ahead of the Fulham game has kept him sidelined ever since.
Carrick, though, insists the ex Chelsea man is finally knocking on the door.
“He’s getting closer, definitely,” said the United boss. “But we have to be careful. We need him fully firing, not just half fit. He’s done the hard yards, but this one’s just too soon.”
The news ain’t so rosy on De Ligt, though. The big Dutch defender is still nursing a back problem that’s kept him out since the end of November, with no return date in sight. Likewise Patrick Dorgu, who done his hamstring against Arsenal and has been packed off to Dubai to try and speed things up.
It leaves Carrick with a familiar headache and one he’s likely to solve by naming the same XI that’s been grinding out results.
That means Benjamin Sesko, the big money striking option, will probably have to make do with a place on the bench again. Instead, Bryan Mbeumo is set to lead the line in that hybrid role, with Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes buzzing around him.
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro look a stick on to patrol the midfield again, though there could be one tweak at the back if Leny Yoro gets the nod to partner Martinez.
The Toffees are never an easy shift on a Monday night under the lights, but Carrick’s men know three points here is massive.
Predicted United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Injured: Mount, De Ligt, Dorgu.
Kick off: 9pm GMT, Monday Feb 23.
