Manchester United

David De Gea needs to be presented with a challenge for his place at Manchester United, according to his former position coach.

Eric Steele, who helped talk Sir Alex Ferguson into signing De Gea from Atletico Madrid back in 2011, has talked about how recalling Dean Henderson from his loan spell with Sheffield United could benefit the Red Devils' No. 1.

Steele spoke to FourFourTwo (h/t Metro):

"I wonder whether United should have brought Dean back in January because David needs a challenge.

"He doesn’t see that with Romero and Lee Grant. Romero has done what he was asked to do – he’s been a number two. He’s done a solid and sound job when he’s been asked to play, but I don’t see him as a two who can be a number one, but I do see Henderson like that. I could see Henderson coming back and getting a 10-game run."

Henderson has been excelling for the Blades, but rather than view his performances as a threat, Steele believes De Gea should see the 22-year-old's rapid rise as motivation: "Having Dean back will bring a massive challenge for David. Dean will have had a full Premier League season behind him, and he’s proven in the top league and proven at all the clubs he’s played for."

🔛🔥 this season.

Dean Henderson 👏 pic.twitter.com/VfUSvHvZO3

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) March 2, 2020

De Gea looks like a player who needs to be spurred on by a young pretender to his throne. The Spaniard has been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for almost a decade at Old Trafford.

He's merited the status thanks to some outstanding campaigns, defined by spectacular saves. De Gea has been awarded the club's Player of the Year Award four times, but the 29-year-old has begun to show signs of decline.

His most recent gaffe came during Sunday's 1-1 draw away to Everton in the Premier League. De Gea's errant pass deflected off striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the Toffees' goal.

In the process, De Gea became the most error-prone stopper in England's top flight:

7 - David De Gea has made seven errors leading directly to an opposition goal in the Premier League since the start of last season, the joint-most alongside Martin Dubravka and Bernd Leno. Shocker. pic.twitter.com/WNoCTxhxds

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2020

Mistakes on this scale prompted a withering assessment from ex-United skipper Roy Keane during his appearance as a pundit for Sky Sports (h/t Goal):

Roy Keane: "Whether I was a player or a manager, I'd have killed him. What is De Gea waiting for? It's crazy. There's almost a bit of arrogance to him. I would have lynched him at half time. There are no excuses." 😬

(🎨: @omomani) pic.twitter.com/HI1OBZLxvR

— GOAL (@goal) March 3, 2020

De Gea has become increasingly vulnerable, but the Spain No. 1 has had to carry some pretty average United teams through a few lean years. There also hasn't been much continuity in front of him, with the defence constantly being reshuffled while Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw have struggled.

Things have settled down somewhat this season after United spent big on centre-back Harry Maguire and right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. There's an irony about De Gea becoming more prone to mistakes after the club retooled the back line.

Yet even though the talent in front of him has improved, De Gea still doesn't operate behind a water-tight defence. In fact, he's faced 297 shots compared to Henderson's 295, according to Opta stats (h/t Perform via AS). De Gea has also had to make more saves from both inside and outside the box.

He's no longer as fashionable as "sweeper-keepers" like Liverpool's Alisson Becker and Manchester City's Ederson, both of whom act as extra playmakers. Even so, De Gea remains a gifted athlete who can still save United points.

Keeping De Gea in place means Henderson's development won't be rushed, while United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can focus on using this summer's transfer budget to add more creativity to midfield and a physical presence up top.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's method of taking things "one game at a time" when it comes to UEFA Champions League qualification.

Solskjaer said that was his approach even though Champions League football is the club's "ambition."

Schmeichel, a former team-mate of the coach's, told Premier League Productions (h/t Goal's Chris Burton):

"He's [Solskjaer] tried to not put it out there that we are chasing Champions League or that he's setting targets that might be unrealistic.

"He's saying we take it game by game. He's said his grand plan is to play a younger team and get a younger team ready for next season.

"He's doing that. He's getting players at 18, 19, 20 years of age, he's giving them game time so that they will be ready and have that experience. Then we will have to see what happens in the summer.

"Of course he wants to be in the Champions League, but I don't think he can go in an interview and say that because it is a big call, there are a lot of teams there."

United are fifth in the Premier League, which may suffice to qualify for Europe's premier competition because Manchester City—who will almost certainly finish second—have been hit with a two-year ban from UEFA competitions.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News suggested supporters would have taken such a position before the season began, despite their ups and downs along the way:

Suspect if United fans were told in August #mufc would enter March in the last 16 of the Europa League and FA Cup, fifth in the league and occupying a Champions League spot, they'd have taken that. Not been quite as straightforward as that, mind.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 28, 2020

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at Everton on Sunday. The point left them fifth, three behind Chelsea in fourth.

Fans are divided on whether they think United will qualify for the Champions League or not:

It would be criminal if Manchester United didn’t finish in the top four given the standards of teams around them.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) March 1, 2020

https://twitter.com/FourFourJordan/status/1234145482424934400

The Red Devils are eight points behind third-place Leicester City, but the Foxes have been in poor form, having won just three league matches since December 8. Chelsea have won five times in the Premier League since November 9.

As for those below Solskjaer's side, Wolverhampton Wanderers sit on the same points. Like United, they'll also need to juggle involvement in the Europa League with the Premier League run-in.

Tottenham Hotspur are two points behind having lost their last two league games. Jose Mourinho's men had won their previous three before that, but the remaining months of the season will be a struggle with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son long-term absentees.

Sheffield United are also only two points back on the Red Devils, and they have a game in hand to be played against Aston Villa.

Of those six teams between third and eighth, United have picked up the most points (25) since the start of December, although the Blades have earned 22 points in that time having played one game fewer.

The Red Devils also enjoyed the most significant upgrade in January when they signed Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon. The playmaker's arrival has given a healthy boost to the team's prospects, and in five starts for United he already has three goals and two assists to his name.

One of United and Wolves might also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League. The former take on Austrian side LASK in the round of 16, while the latter face Olympiacos, who knocked out Arsenal.

Manchester United are reportedly set to open a new department of data specialists to help them with recruitment. 

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein (h/t MailOnline's Jeorge Bird), the Red Devils use video analysis to assess potential targets but don't do as much statistical analysis as other top clubs.

United are aiming to change that by bringing in eight specialists to a department led by a head of analytics, which will help them better identify players to recruit, as well as aiding their medical teams and academy.

The club's recruitment has been hit and miss since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, the same year Ed Woodward took over from David Gill at the helm.

January signing Bruno Fernandes took United to around £900 million in transfer spending under Woodward, while only Manchester City pay more in basic wages per player on average this season.

High-profile signings such as Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have all been brought in at great expense over the years and none are currently at the club, although Sanchez is only on loan at Inter Milan.

United's recruitment has been a little more encouraging of late.

Summer signings Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James have shown plenty of promise, while Fernandes is already impressing as he did in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Everton:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Everton:

100% dribbles completed
72% pass accuracy
18 final third passes completed (most)
7 ball recoveries
5 tackles won (most)
6 shots (most)
1 goal

Everything goes through him. 🙌🎩 pic.twitter.com/PKbJqBaWqz

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 1, 2020

However, the club also brought in Odion Ighalo—who had been in the Chinese Super League since 2017—as a last-minute loan deal in January, in a reminder of the haphazard nature of their approach to the market.

As Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette and football writer Chris Winterburn have observed, there's still a significant issue at Old Trafford when it comes to recruitment:

The #MUFC PR machine is in FULL affect. Beware of UK articles talking about the club's progressive strategy regarding recruitment, agents & long-term outlook. Yep, United have made changes, but one fundamental remains: Ed Woodward is effectively the DoF. And he shouldn't be...

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) January 20, 2020

No mention of Haaland pursuit in trends? No discussion as to why it was left until Jan 31 to secure a loan signing. Every day these charlatans remain in footballing positions at Old Trafford is a day further away Manchester United get from success.

— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) February 25, 2020

Making more use of data is a long overdue step from the club and a positive move in the right direction, but they're still trailing the rest of Europe's top clubs in terms of structure.

Fernandes has returned three goals and two assists in five starts for United, and the club could have signed him last summer before reportedly deciding against the move.

The 25-year-old notched 15 goals and 14 assists for Sporting Lisbon in the first half of the campaign. Had he been at United and offered a similar contribution, the Red Devils would likely be established in the Premier League's top four rather than three points off it.

David De Gea's latest mistake wasn't enough to dim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's praise for the Manchester United goalkeeper, although the latter warned about competition from Dean Henderson next season.

Red Devils chief Solskjaer saw De Gea gift a goal to Everton during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. The Spaniard played a pass against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, causing the ball to deflect into the net in the fourth minute.

Solskjaer was asked about De Gea's status as United's No. 1, but he declared his faith in his faltering first choice, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

"But David's shown his reaction, the way he made amends and saved Sigurdsson's goal, or chance, at the end. David's the best goalkeeper in the world, Dean is a very good challenger and then Sergio (Romero)'s a decent challenger as well.

"We want a squad full of quality and with competition and if you want to survive at the top you need to bounce off competitions from right, left and centre.

"He went through a difficult patch last season, definitely, but David's been very, very good this season. I can't really remember any errors I'd go to now, apart from Watford one (Ismaila Sarr's goal). I trust David 100 per cent in the goal."

Solskjaer's reference to De Gea's blunder during the 2-0 defeat away to Watford on December 22 emphasises the mistake-prone nature of the 29-year-old's campaign:

No goalkeeper has made more errors directly leading to Premier League goals than David de Gea (7) since the start of last season.

On three for the current season. pic.twitter.com/85UbV0DRpi

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 1, 2020

An unwanted number like this serves as tangible doubt about Solskjaer's contention De Gea is the best on the planet at his position. No longer a reliable last line of defence, De Gea has shown an increasingly vulnerability.

Any decline may be due to the burden on the former Atletico Madrid star's shoulders while United have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013. No longer regulars in the title picture, the Red Devils have needed their goalkeeper to bail them out of trouble more often.

De Gea responded brilliantly to the challenge while his club recycled managers and moved in and out of the top four on the watch of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. Being awarded United's Player of the Season gong in four out of five years only underlined De Gea's importance and the quality of his performances.

Having to do too much may have taken its toll on De Gea, although not everybody is convinced. Former United skipper Roy Keane watched the Everton game as a pundit for Sky Sports, and he chided De Gea for his "arrogance" (h/t Goal):

🗣 Roy Keane: "Whether I was a player or a manager, I'd have killed him.

"What is De Gea waiting for? It's crazy. There's almost a bit of arrogance to him.

"I would have lynched him at half time. There are no excuses."

😡 #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/YUlw59Zte3

— GOAL (@goal) March 1, 2020

Regardless of the reason, De Gea isn't quite the force he once was, naturally prompting questions about Henderson. The 22-year-old will return to Old Trafford in the summer following a successful loan spell with Sheffield United.

Henderson's saves have helped the Blades gain promotion from the Championship and move up to the lofty heights of eighth in England's top flight. His raw talent has some believing United's youngster is ready for more at international level, particularly after Everton and England No. 1 Jordan Pickford failed to keep out Bruno Fernandes' equaliser:

Bruno Fernandes has made such a difference to Man Utd but that is Pickford’s mistake. Henderson/Pope surely got to get a chance for England?

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) March 1, 2020

Henderson has also been making a strong case to supplant De Gea, keeping nine clean sheets this season, compared with the latter's seven, per the league's official website. Accelerating Henderson's ascent to the starting job may help United cash in if Real Madrid were to revive interest in De Gea, although Thibaut Courtois' performances this season likely mean Los Blancos are set at the position.

There is little doubt Henderson is a star on the rise, but it's also beyond dispute De Gea remains a gifted presence between the sticks. Solskjaer's right to salute the resilience that saw De Gea deny Calvert-Lewin superbly mere moments after his early mistake.

The save to block Sigurdsson's block from inside the box ultimately preserved a point for United. Protecting and earning points has been De Gea's norm for United, and there's still little reason for the club to trust anyone else with the No. 1 shirt.

Roy Keane said he would have "killed" David de Gea if he had been his team-mate or manager after his error during Manchester United's 1-1 draw away to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Keane, who was an in-studio analyst for Sky Sports, watched as De Gea played a pass against Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to gift the Toffees a fourth-minute lead at Goodison Park.

Asked for his thoughts at halftime, former United skipper Keane didn't pull his punches (h/t Goal): "Whether I was a player or a manager, I'd have killed him. What is De Gea waiting for? It's crazy. There's almost a bit of arrogance to him. I would have lynched him at half time. There are no excuses."

De Gea's error was the latest mis-step in what has been a trying campaign for the Spain international. Once revered as a shot-stopper almost without equal, the 29-year-old has developed an unfortunate habit for calamity:

7 - David De Gea has made seven errors leading directly to an opposition goal in the Premier League since the start of last season, the joint-most alongside Martin Dubravka and Bernd Leno. Shocker. pic.twitter.com/WNoCTxhxds

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2020

Ironically, De Gea wasn't the only goalkeeper to incur Keane's wrath. Everton's Jordan Pickford also bore the brunt of strong criticism after letting a Bruno Fernandes shot from distance beat him for United's equaliser.

Keane felt there was no excuse for Pickford failing to turn the effort away, and he questioned the former Sunderland man's credentials at this level: "I don't want to hear that the ball moved. Of course it's moving, someone's kicked it! The bottom line with Pickford...I don't need to see the stats. I know he's not a good goalkeeper. He's not up to it."

Roy Keane needs to stop sitting on the fence about these two keepers....

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 1, 2020

Keane's no-nonsense tongue-lashing might have made for good television, but it was to the credit of both goalkeepers they managed to redeem themselves late on. England's No. 1 Pickford did so by making an exceptional double save to leave Fernandes and Odion Ighalo frustrated.

As for De Gea, he was quick to block Gylfi Sigurdsson's toe poke from close range during stoppage time. The smart save was only the precursor for a controversial ending to the match involving Calvert-Lewin's rebound deflecting off Harry Maguire and into the net.

VAR ruled the goal out because Sigurdsson, who was sat in front of De Gea, was judged to have obstructed the keeper's view.

Sigurdsson just having a little sit down for himself in front of the keeper, how that’s been judged to be interfering with play is astounding. pic.twitter.com/FIggRM7hHY

— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 1, 2020

Both goalkeepers had been maligned but were ultimately key in preserving a point for their respective teams. It may not be enough to alter the view of Keane, who was notoriously demanding as both a player and manager.

Former pros can fall into the trap of addressing punditry with something of a blind spot to their own indiscretions during their playing days. Pickford may be struggling, but he's still merited his development as an international goalkeeper who has rarely let the Three Lions down.

Meanwhile, De Gea can be forgiven for a few mistakes after generally being standout during lean years at Old Trafford, winning United's Player of the Year accolade four times.

Manchester United dropped points in the race to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday. 

Bruno Fernandes struck a 31st-minute equaliser, his first goal from open play for United, after David De Gea had gifted a goal to Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the fourth minute.

A point apiece was only confirmed after late controversy in injury time when VAR ruled out Harry Maguire's own goal after judging Gyfli Sigurdsson had impeded De Gea's view, despite the Everton No. 10 not touching the ball.

The stalemate leaves the Red Devils three points behind Chelsea and a place in the top four. Meanwhile, the Toffees' own bid to play in Europe next season remains in the balance, with Carlo Ancelotti's men three points behind seventh-place Tottenham Hotspur.

Disaster struck early for United when De Gea, who has endured more than a few calamitous moments this season, cannoned a pass off the advancing Calvert-Lewin.

The deflection took the ball into the net and continued the England man's impressive scoring run:

⚽️ 2017-18 - 8 goals in 44 games
⚽️ 2018-19 - 13 goals in 43 games
⚽️ 2019-20 - 15 goals in 31 games*

🔵 Dominic Calvert-Lewin's stock continues to rise.#EFC pic.twitter.com/yEw7jxJWD7

— bet365 (@bet365) March 1, 2020

That's 13 Premier League goals this season for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The last English player to score more in a single season for Everton was Paul Rideout in 1994-95 (14).

Live: https://t.co/1zBqvzwEBo pic.twitter.com/0ZAEtmFKEr

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 1, 2020

De Gea's gaffe undermined an otherwise bright start from United. The away side were slick and swift in possession thanks to a midfield diamond underpinned by Fred and Nemanja Matic and with dynamic January import Bruno Fernandes at its tip.

Matic hit the bar, while Anthony Martial spurned a presentable chance to help underline United's territorial dominance. Yet while the Red Devils were content to boss possession, the hosts relied on direct passing to release prolific front two Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Long balls over the top were unsettling the United defence, while the pace of the returning Theo Walcott also remained an issue. Everton's forwards were charging hard, but United remained a threat, with Fred, who was playing from the left of the diamond, crossing for Mason Greenwood, who promptly headed over the bar.

Meanwhile, the Toffees were forced into a change when Seamus Coleman left the pitch to be replaced by Djibril Sidibe.

The visitors were firmly in the ascendancy, and their reward came when Fernandes lashed a drive through the grasp of a despairing Jordan Pickford. Everton's goalkeeper hardly did himself credit, but the goal was no more the United deserved for their assured control of the game.

For Fernandes, striking for the first time from open play merely continued the terrific start he's made to life with his new club:

Bruno Fernandes in the last week:

vs. Watford—⚽️🅰️
vs. Brugge—⚽️
vs. Everton—⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pHoPquXR7a

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 1, 2020

There was a fractious end to the half, with Luke Shaw receiving a yellow card for his role in a heated touchline melee. The United left-back was soon joined in the book by Tom Davies after the Everton midfield terrier dove in on Matic.

Both sides resumed their familiar patterns of play after the restart, with United continuing to move the ball artfully through midfield. Meanwhile, Everton still went long to Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.

The latter drew a foul from Victor Lindelof on the edge of the area, and Sigurdsson struck the post from the resulting free-kick. Looking for more control, Ancelotti hooked Theo Walcott for Brazilian winger Bernard.

His arrival didn't prompt an immediate improvement in how Everton used the ball. Instead, United stayed on the front foot, although momentum stalled slightly when Fred received a booking for an apparent handball, despite replays showing the ball struck him on the thigh.

Fred was incensed, but his team-mates kept their cool, with Fernandes creating space for a shot that was straight at Pickford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then rang the changes by swapping Scott McTominay for Juan Mata and Greenwood for Odion Ighalo.

Everton's final change saw Andre Gomes, starting his first game since suffering a serious ankle injury against Tottenham Hotspur back in November, make way for Moise Kean.

The Toffees peppered United's goal with set pieces, but those making the deliveries could rarely avoid the head of Harry Maguire. United's big-money centre-back dominated in the air and made several timely blocks on the deck during the closing stages.

At the other end, Everton had Pickford to thank after an astonishing double save denied Fernandes then Ighalo from close range. Pickford's heroics prompted the ensuing chaos, which saw De Gea save from Sigurdsson and Calvert-Lewin's follow-up going in off Maguire.

Sigurdsson was sat in front of De Gea, but he didn't touch the ball. Even so, VAR ruled the goal out, judging the Iceland international was blocking De Gea's line of sight.

Should this goal have stood? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/x008YIsguP

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 1, 2020

It was a controversial call, and one that infuriated Ancelotti, who was shown a red card for his protests after the final whistle. United were fortunate to escape with a point but had played well enough to merit more.

       

What's Next?

Everton are away to Chelsea next Sunday, while United travel to face Championship side Derby County and Wayne Rooney in the fifth round of the 2020 FA Cup on Thursday.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he expects striker Marcus Rashford to return to action from a back injury before the end of the season.

Solskjaer told reporters the Red Devils' top scorer is recovering well from the injury that has kept him out since mid-January and is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch.

"The scan came back quite positive but we will give him the time he needs. He's desperate to come back, of course, but he won't until he's fully ready.

"It'll be another couple of months before we see him, we can't rush it. But when Marcus is fit he will be stronger for it and when he comes back it's going to be a big boost for us.

"He wants to be there when the business end comes so he wants the boys to do well so he can play in the Europa League and the FA Cup final if we get through, and we also have the Premier League."

Rashford was initially ruled out for at least six weeks with a double stress fracture in his back:

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms that Marcus Rashford has suffered a stress fracture and is set to be out for a minimum of six weeks. pic.twitter.com/y9ygHPuoJy

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2020

However, fears subsequently emerged that the striker's season could be over. Solskjaer said the injury was more severe than first thought and it was "touch and go" whether he would play again in 2019-20, per Jamie Jackson at the Guardian.

Solskjaer's latest update will give the club a boost as they approach the business end of the season. The club remain in contention to finish in the top four of the Premier League and are also still in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.

Rashford had been enjoying an impressive season before injury struck. The 22-year-old has scored 18 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils in 2019-20:

Marcus Rashford's Manchester United career by numbers:

🔴 200 games
🔴 64 goals
🔴 26 assists
🔴 4 trophies

Not bad at 22 years old. pic.twitter.com/5vNCAiZJhc

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 11, 2020

The striker's injury saw Manchester United strengthen their attack in the January transfer window, bringing in Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP and Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Shenhua on loan.

Both players have already made an impact at Old Trafford. Ighalo scored his first goal in the 5-0 UEFA Europa League win over Club Brugge on Thursday, while Fernandes has two goals and two assists in his first five matches for his new team.

Yet an early return for Rashford would be a boost for Manchester United and England. The striker has 10 goals in 38 appearances for the Three Lions, and manager Gareth Southgate will want him available for the summer's European Championship.

Manchester United's Fred has expressed his desire to join the Red Devils' attack more as a box-to-box midfielder.

The Brazil international scored twice in the last 10 minutes of United's 5-0 victory over Club Brugge on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League.

Speaking to UnitedPeoplesTV (h/t Goal), Fred explained he's now settled in the Premier League following a difficult start after his £53 million switch in 2018 from Shakhtar Donetsk:

"I think my ideal position is to join the attack a bit more like I did at Shakhtar. I played more as a box-to-box midfielder, so I played a little bit further forward. Here, all teams play compact [compared to Ukraine]. Other teams make it harder to get near the penalty area to shoot and to get into scoring positions. It's a bit different. But I think [box-to-box] is my ideal position. I'm playing well and getting better every day."

Fred has emerged from the fringes of the squad during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first full season in charge at Old Trafford. He started just 13 league games in total last season and was unused in 12 of the 21 matches for which Solskjaer was in charge.

Injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba, as well as his own improved performances, have transformed the 26-year-old into a key member of the squad this season. He has already made 20 league starts of a possible 27.

Fred has credited former United midfielder Michael Carrick with aiding his development at Carrington as part of Solskjaer's backroom staff:

https://twitter.com/PeoplesPerson_/status/1233724849610080256

January signing Bruno Fernandes appears to have further helped Fred play his natural game in midfield, and the return of McTominay should strengthen that area of the pitch further.

Solskjaer's squad has suffered from a prolonged injury crisis, but the Scotland international also found the net against Brugge in just his second appearance since Boxing Day.

United visit Everton on Sunday in the Premier League. They were hammered 4-0 during their visit to Everton last year, and Fred was substituted at half-time with his team facing a two-goal deficit.

With four points separating them and fourth-place Chelsea, a win would represent a huge step in the race to secure UEFA Champions League football next season.

Manchester United travel to Everton on Sunday in the Premier League at Goodison Park.

The Red Devils are on a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and the January signing of Bruno Fernandes has reaped early dividends.

Everton lost their last league game 3-2 at Arsenal, but the Toffees have taken huge strides in their performances since Carlo Ancelotti's appointment in December.

               

Time: 2 p.m. GMT, 9 a.m. ET

Date: Sunday, March 1

TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (UK), NBCSN (USA)

Stream:  Sky Go, NBC Sports App

Odds: Everton: 3-2, United: 37-20, draw: 47-20 (via Caesars Palace)

              

Preview

United's chase for the top-four is heating up, and with only 11 games remaining, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team can afford few slips from here onwards.

Last term, United finally reached the top-four on March 2, only to then win just two of their last nine league matches, finishing sixth. Solskjaer's men visited Everton in the middle of the poor run, and the Goodison club won 4-0 against a lacklustre United.

Fast forward 12 months on, and Solskjaer has highlighted the loss at Everton as the "lowest" moment of his 14-month tenure.

According to Liam Grace of Sky Sports, the Norwegian explained on Thursday his feelings after United's collapse at Everton last season:

"That was the lowest I have been. I think you all know that and remember that. It was a capitulation. We had nothing about us.

"Everything that we didn't want to see, we saw in that game. Against Everton at home, they are hard to play against with the two strikers up front and they get players into the box.

"I'm 100 per cent sure we will put in a better performance this time."

United have remained inconsistent, but the arrival of Fernandes from Sporting CP has quickly lifted the Red Devils' confidence.

Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves gave Fernandes a glowing assessment after United beat Club Brugge 5-0 on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League:

"He looks like he can be a hero of the fans."

"His awareness on the pitch is special."

Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves are suitably impressed with Bruno Fernandes' start to life at Old Trafford! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZtptiluPct

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 27, 2020

Ancelotti has breathed new life into Everton after returning to English football from Serie A. The former Chelsea manager, who won the Premier League in 2009-10, has injected a toughness into his new side.

The Toffees were unbeaten in five games in all competitions before the 3-2 loss at Arsenal, and the Italian's experience has been evident in his tactics.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in the best form of his career, with the striker rewarding Ancelotti for the faith shown in his ability.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 Premier League goals this term. He's one of the form strikers in the top-flight, per Fantasy Premier League:

SCOUT: Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Everton in GW19, only Sergio Aguero has scored more goals than Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6)#FPL #ARSEVE pic.twitter.com/lRwJYvaNDa

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) February 23, 2020

Much will depend on Everton's ambitions on Sunday. The team are comfortable in 11th after a worrying start to the campaign, and they're now 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

United's performances have lacked discipline for months, leading to defeats against weaker opponents, but they must collect three points on Merseyside if they have ambitions of playing UEFA Champions League football next season.

Nemanja Matic has praised Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and said the Norwegian has improved since taking over from Jose Mourinho. 

According to Dan Samson of Sky Sports, Matic said Solskjaer's methods have impressed him, and he believes the coach will further improve in the United hot seat:

"Of course, every day he is improving for sure. He is getting more experience and he will get better and better.

"He is a much better manager than one year ago in my opinion because now he knows all the players, he knows exactly what he needs to do before the games, so I think for his job the experience is very important."

Solskjaer was the surprise choice of the United board to replace Mourinho as interim boss in December 2018, and the Old Trafford side went on a blistering run of 14 wins in 19 games. The performances witnessed the former United playing legend awarded the permanent coaching role.

The Red Devils have chased a top-four berth this season, but good performances have immediately been followed by baffling results.

United have lost to Crystal Palace and Burnley at Old Trafford this term, while also suffering defeat in six of their 13 away league games.

Their inconsistency has kept United off the pace near the top, and they head to Everton on Sunday trailing fourth-placed Chelsea.

United's start to the campaign was their worst in 30 years, per Samson, but seven from nine points have kept Solskjaer's team in the hunt for fourth.

Matic added he believes he and his team-mates have what it takes to finish the season with a flourish.

"I think we have enough quality to finish in the top four. We just need to continue to play like we've played the last five or six games.

"Even the games where we didn't play well we won and we have to keep that going because you don't need to always play great to win. I'm confident and I think the guys are also confident that we can finish in the top four."

There will be just 10 games remaining after this weekend's league fixtures, and Solskjaer's long-term future at United could hinge on the next run of results.

United could qualify for the UEFA Champions League in fifth if Manchester City's European ban is upheld on appeal, but the Red Devils need a top-four finish for their confidence.

Mauricio Pochettino's availability on the managerial market could potentially determine whether Solskjaer remains at Old Trafford, but a winning end to the season should give the Norwegian the additional time he needs to carry on his rebuild next summer and beyond.