Shashko is expected to start for the first time, while a 40 million winger might be benched! Three teams tied on points, Manchester United must win.

Three top Premier League clubs currently have 45 points apiece, yet Manchester United remains in front because Chelsea and Liverpool have played an extra match. Should Carrick guide the team to a win this round, the Red Devils will establish a 3-point gap. United travels to Everton, a side with strong ties to Old Trafford, as manager Moyes coached Carrick 13 years ago, and main midfielder James Garner also came through Carrington’s youth system.

In his 2018 autobiography, Carrick criticized Moyes’ coaching. Carrick wrote: “At our first meeting, David (Moyes) told us, ‘I believe in myself and I can make you better. I know you won the Premier League last year, and I have been watching you. I want you to run more.’ I just felt his way of speaking was a bit off.”

Carrick commented: “We won the Premier League by 11 points and scored 11 more goals than any other team. United never relied on intense running to win, but that season we earned 29 points even when behind. That shows our fitness was good and we were very focused.”

Carrick revealed that Moyes’ set-piece tactics were much more detailed than United’s usual approach, and his analysis of opponents was thorough. However, Carrick said: “He was almost desperate to please us. David wanted to be liked and to earn players' trust and respect. To be fair, he was always trying, but unfortunately it didn’t work out.”

Before this match, when asked about the autobiography’s content, Carrick declined to comment and emphasized: “I have great respect for David. His coaching career is impressive. Maintaining top-level performance for so long is admirable. He’s also a good person. His return to Everton and strong performance don’t surprise me.”

When asked if he learned from Moyes’ failures after taking over at United, Carrick said: “Obviously, I haven’t been in this role for long, but some methods can be improved. You also gain some positives along the way. I have learned a lot from David.”

In the last round, United drew 1-1 away against West Ham, reminding Carrick and his players that winning in the Premier League is not guaranteed. Local Manchester media predict Carrick will make changes against Everton, with striker Shashko likely to start for the first time under the new coach.

Since Ruben Amorim’s departure, Shashko has scored 5 goals, the most in the same period. Although Carrick was reluctant to change the starting lineup during the winning streak, the situation has shifted as opponents have begun to understand his tactics. After drawing with West Ham, it’s time for the 44-year-old English legend to make changes.

Shashko scored a last-minute winner against Fulham and a stoppage-time equalizer versus West Ham, helping Carrick keep the team unbeaten. If the coach still doesn’t reward this €85 million striker with a starting spot, it would be hard to justify. Every team needs a super sub, but having the highest-scoring expensive forward benched is excessive.

Carrick prefers to make substitutions after the 70th minute, a habit often criticized during his time managing Middlesbrough. But with 5 goals in 6 matches, Shashko starting against Everton is well deserved. The question is not whether he starts, but who will make way for him.

In the 4-2-3-1 formation, captain Bruno Fernandes’ position is untouchable, and Mbemo, with 9 Premier League goals, is the team’s top scorer. Their positions are secure, so the choice lies between Amad Diallo and Cunha. Both performed poorly against West Ham, and Carrick once again substituted Cunha.

However, in terms of form, Amad, who excelled in the Africa Cup of Nations, has not contributed any goals or assists since returning to United. Perhaps it’s time for him to reflect on the bench. The 23-year-old Amad plays right wing, Mbemo could shift from number 9 to the right flank, and Cunha naturally plays on the left side.

Of course, if Carrick wants a left-footed left winger, Cunha might return to the “super sub” role, while either Amad or Mbemo could operate on the left, similar to Patrick Doğu before his injury.

For example, the Manchester Evening News predicts United’s starting lineup as: Senna Lamens / Diogo Dalot, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw / Cody Gakpo, Casemiro / Mbemo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad / Shashko.