Four players to miss Everton vs Manchester United clash

Manchester United are targeting a return to winning ways when they travel to face Everton on Monday night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Michael Carrick’s side come off a 1-1 draw against West Ham last weekend, which ended a run of four straight wins since the caretaker boss took charge.

A victory against the Toffees could see the Red Devils climb to just two points behind Aston Villa in third, depending on Villa’s result against Leeds.

Everton are not pushovers, sitting eighth in the Premier League and only seven points off fifth-placed Chelsea, a position likely to secure a Champions League spot.

David Moyes’ squad is missing only one key player, with Jack Grealish ruled out for the season after an ankle injury disrupted a promising loan spell from Manchester City.

Centre-back Jake O’Brien will also miss the match through suspension following a red card in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.

Man United’s injury list is equally light.

Patrick Dorgu remains out, having suffered a hamstring injury in January.

The Danish midfielder is expected to miss games against Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Everton.

The bigger boost comes from two players who could return against Everton.

Michael Carrick revealed that Mason Mount is closer to full fitness, saying last week: “Definitely going into the Everton game, he’ll be back.”

Defender Matthijs De Ligt is also edging closer to a comeback after a lower back issue kept him sidelined since December.

Carrick provided an update on the Dutchman: “Matta, the Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we’ll see how he develops, but he’s positive.

“He’s moving in the right direction, but Mason’s a little bit closer than him.”

A double return from Mason Mount and De Ligt would be a huge lift for Carrick’s squad, especially as the manager looks to maintain momentum and secure a top-four finish.