United are back in action and ahead of their Monday night trip to Everton, interim boss Michael Carrick spoke about injuries, the Toffees, mid-season friendlies and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's immigrant comment.
Team news and it seems that both De Ligt and Mount won't be available for Monday's trip. "De Ligt is a bit behind Mason."
On Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about immigrants in the UK, Carrick says that United are a club that "make a huge impact globally" and that everyone at the club is really proud of that culture. They look to have that diversity and respect for each other.
He adds that the co-owner said what he said and it isn't his place to add to that. "Enough has been said in that regard."
While there were reports that members of the dressing room were upset with the words of Ratcliffe, the interim says that "the boys have been in good spirits this week." He talks about the time off they had and how important it was for a refresh.
Discussing Everton, Carrick says that even though it will be United's first trip to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, historically, away games at Everton have always been tough. United's interim spoke highly of former manager David Moyes saying that he is "such a good manager" but that United did have a lot of time to look forward to this game.
Carrick wants the team to remain balances and not get carried away after the disappointing draw at West Ham. He believes his side did a lot of good in terms of control and that they looked dangerous. "It was not all negative."
With United having fewer games this season, there are periods with long breaks between matches, like this one. On this and potential mid-season friendlies, Carrick says that they try to use these break in different ways. They will see what they will do for future breaks between games. He says that they will do "what's best for the players" in terms of mid-season friendlies.
Final Thoughts
In terms of what Sir Jim said, here are my thoughts ⤵
My Everton preview is also up so you can check out what I think will be a tough game too. If we're not careful...👀.
I don't want us to play mid-season friendlies. This is a bit of a selfish one from me.
The reason is because, while it will be beneficial to the team so that they continue to stay in rhythm, I find that this should be their punishment for being shit. If they couldn't qualify for Europe despite there being three competitions, and then being knocked out at the first stage of both domestic cups, then they deserve to suffer along with us as we watch others play weekend-mid-week.
It really is torture.
I know when looking at the West Ham draw, people said that it was maybe because they weren't used to playing two games so quickly having not done so for almost the entirety of the season.
That's a cheap excuse. It shouldn't be a reason as to why we didn't really show up. This squad is full of internationals who are used to playing every couple of days.
Yes, there are probably more reasons to play mid-season friendlies than not but I would rather they use these lack of games as motivation so as to not let it happen in the future. Mid-season friendlies give them a bit of a way out which isn't what I want.
It's harsh, I know, but it's because of the anger of not playing many games this season.
And if we're being honest, who gives a shit about friendlies, especially during the season?
Imagine having to watch United play a random team in Saudi when others are playing in the Champions League?
Michael Carrick | Creator: James Fearn | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2026 Getty Images via Goal