Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his side hold an “advantage” over Manchester United ahead of their clash at Goodison Park on Saturday, speaking to the Liverpool Echo.
The Red Devils lost 2-1 away to Turkey’s Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League last night. What looked a strong team on paper saw Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire all get the full 90 minutes.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asked for a postponement to the game against high-flying Everton, currently fourth in the Champions League spots, but his request was rejected.
And Ancelotti said the Toffees could capitalise on Manchester United’s fatigue following their arduous European trip and energy-sapping defeat.
Ancelotti: Really difficult for top teams
The Italian said: “It can be an advantage.
“As I said before, the top teams have a really, really big schedule so it is really difficult for them so we can take advantage of this on a physical aspect, above all.
“I think we did better when we had games every three days.
“But, from a physical point of view, we have an advantage for sure.”
Paul Merson: Ole under ‘severe pressure’
David Moyes was sacked as Manchester United manager two days after a 2-0 loss away to Everton in 2014.
And, with United languishing in 15th – only four points above the relegation zone – former Arsenal and Portsmouth forward Paul Merson can see parallels with Solskjaer’s situation.
He told Sky Sports: “Solskjaer will be under severe pressure. This is Manchester United, the biggest club in the world of football.
“Where they are in the league is not acceptable. It’s not like it’s just two or three games gone. The performances have been poor. The way they capitulated against Tottenham.
“Arsenal weren’t great the other day. They just did a job, and (United) looked lost.
“Now they’ve (lost to Istanbul Basaksehir) – they’re not a top European team and they’ve been beaten. If he gets to Saturday, it will be (Solskjaer’s) biggest game in management.”
Ancelotti won’t look to do his rival any favours when Saturday comes.
- Meet Ethan Pocic’s wife Heather as Jeffree Star tweet continues to puzzle
- Michael McKean aka ‘Lenny’ of Laverne & Shirley pays tribute to Cindy Williams
- Is the Sean Payton movie on Netflix? Where to stream Home Team
- Who is Henry Anderson’s wife Saryn? Jeffree Star tweet sends fans Googling
- Who is OussiFooty? Age, real name and nationality of TikTok footballer