Mount has missed the past three matches after sustaining a minor injury in training prior to the win over Fulham. He was a surprise omission that day, having been named on the bench for Michael Carrick's first two games in charge, and subsequently sat out fixtures against Tottenham and West Ham.

De Ligt, meanwhile, has been sidelined for nearly three months with a lower back injury suffered in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in November. Although he has yet to resume full first-team training, Carrick has offered an encouraging update on his progress.

"Matta, we'll see how he develops over the, you know... the Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we'll see how he develops, but he's positive, he's moving in the right direction, but Mason's a little bit closer than him," said Carrick.

Meanwhile, Carrick is disappointed that Patrick Dorgu looks set for a lengthy time on the side-lines after his injury against Arsenal.

"Pat, unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. We are still working through how long that is going to be.

"It's disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks. We weren't sure if it was a little bit of cramp or if it was something more serious.

"At the moment, it is looking a little bit more of a serious note. A few weeks out. How many weeks? We will have to wait and see.

"It is disappointing for all of us and Pat, he is in such a good place but unfortunately it is part of football and something you have got to work through and get him back as soon as we can."

United head to Merseyside, on 23 February, following a 13-day break since their 1-1 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium, where Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser that preserved Carrick's unbeaten record.

The draw followed four straight wins under the new manager, signalling a strong response to the change in leadership.

Thabiso Monyane: Orlando Pirates must compete for continental honours