Everton Rule Out Two Giants Who “Bullied” United as Carrick Prepares Old Trafford Revenge.

The “Moyes Messiah” narrative has hit a massive, “Nuclear” speed bump. Just 24 hours before Manchester United’s highly anticipated trip to the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed a “devastating” double injury blow that has completely shifted the odds in favor of Michael Carrick’s top-four-chasing Red Devils.

While Everton famously stunned United with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford earlier this season—a night where their physical dominance left the United midfield “in tatters”—the Toffees will have to try and repeat the feat without the two men who orchestrated that historic win.

“It’s a Massive Loss”—The Injury Report

Speaking from Finch Farm on Friday, February 20, 2026, David Moyes was forced to admit that his tactical plan has been “ripped up” due to late fitness failures.

• Jake O’Brien Rule Out: The towering center-back, who was the “Man of the Match” in the previous meeting for his absolute shutdown of United’s attack, is officially suspended following his red card against Bournemouth.

• The “Midfield Engine” Failure: While Moyes claimed a “clean bill of health” for most, insiders confirm that Idrissa Gana Gueye—who “tore apart” United’s transition play at Old Trafford—is facing a “nasty” late fitness issue following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

• Jack Grealish Absence: The Manchester City loanee remains a “long-term absentee” with a stress fracture, depriving Moyes of his most creative outlet against his former club.

CARRICK’S “CLIMB”:‼️ A Golden Opportunity for the Top 4

For Michael Carrick, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. United are currently unbeaten in five matches since he took over from Ruben Amorim, and a win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would solidify their grip on 4th place.

• The “Bruno” Factor: With Everton missing their “Enforcer” in Gana Gueye, Bruno Fernandes is reportedly being given “total freedom” to exploit the gaps in the Toffees’ midfield.

• The “Sesko” Decision: Carrick is reportedly debating whether to hand a start to Benjamin Šeško, believing the Slovenian’s height can finally punish an Everton defense that is missing the aerial presence of Jake O’Brien.

• The “De Ligt” Boost: While Everton suffer, United are welcoming back Matthijs de Ligt to the matchday squad, strengthening a defense that has already kept three clean sheets under Carrick’s interim reign.

THE “MOYES” WARNING:‼️ “We Are Not Relegation Fodder”

Despite the setbacks, David Moyes remains defiant. “I think last year I was thinking, ‘My goodness, how am I going to stay in the league?’ but we’ve moved past that. We are a team planning to challenge for Europe. To do that, we have to win big games like Monday night, injuries or no injuries.”

The Predicted Battle:

1. Everton’s “Wall”: Jarrad Branthwaite must lead a makeshift backline.

2. United’s “Magic”: Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha are expected to lead the counter-attack.

3. The Atmosphere: The 1878s fan group is planning a “Nuclear” display for the first-ever United visit to the new stadium.

Can Michael Carrick capitalize on Everton’s “Double Disaster,” or will David Moyes find a way to haunt his old club once again without his key warriors?