Man Utd handed major injury blow vs Everton as key player ruled out | Football | Sport

Michael Carrick will be without Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez for the Premier League clash against Everton because of a calf injury. Carrick has rarely made any changes to his starting XI’s since becoming interim head coach, but he has been forced into one one of those at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Joining Harry Maguire in the centre of defence is Leny Yoro with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw as the full-backs. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo remain as the midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Matheus Cunha as the front four.

The latter was initially not in Carrick’s favoured team with Patrick Dorgu playing out of position but delivering. However, he picked up a muscular injury during the 3-2 win over Arsenal to join Matthijs de Ligt on the sidelines.

Mason Mount has also been dealing with fitness issues and he has remained out of the matchday squad for the clash against Everton. United mostly playing once every week has helped matters with their last outing nearly two weeks ago away to West Ham United.

Given their fixture schedule, United are firm favourites to finish in the top five and qualify for next season’s Champions League. A win over the Toffees will them up to 48 points and three clear of Chelsea following their dissapointing draw against Burnley on Saturday.

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United have some favourable games on the horizon with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa to visit Old Trafford. Carrick’s side also make the journey to Bournemouth and Newcastle United before the March international break.

Carrick will be hoping is unbeaten record in temporary charge remains over this period and that scenario playing out puts him in a great position to take the job permanently. If United do look elsewhere, Diego Simeone, Oliver Glasner, Enzo Maresca, Luis Enrique all look to be options.

Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are also potential options but any movement for those three will almost certainly come after the World Cup.