Carrick hails Shaw-Rashford axis as 'particularly dangerous' after Everton draw

Michael Carrick has singled out the rekindled left-wing partnership between Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford as “particularly dangerous” following Manchester United’s draw at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Rashford made it back-to-back starts for United and, alongside Shaw, caused Everton’s right flank persistent problems throughout the match. The pair have now played 202 games together for the club — a remarkable tally given both players appeared close to the exit door at Old Trafford over the past two seasons.

“They’ve played together for quite some time now and have an understanding,” Carrick said. “I thought we had that quite a lot through the middle of the pitch today at certain times. I thought we played some really good football through the middle of the pitch, Bryan [Mbeumo] got his goal on the right, and Marcus and Luke were particularly dangerous down that side.”

Carrick was keen to spread the credit across the squad, noting the combinations United built through the centre of the pitch, but he did not shy away from highlighting Rashford’s individual contribution.

“He’s done very well — he looked really sharp again today and dangerous,” the manager added. “That final moment didn’t quite drop for him, but nevertheless I thought he created really good opportunities and gave us a big threat throughout the game.”

Rashford had been widely expected to leave United during the summer transfer window. Barcelona opted against signing him for a reported £26 million, and the England forward remained at the club. His form since returning has been encouraging, with Carrick noting earlier in the week that Rashford had settled back in impressively.

The revival of the Shaw-Rashford combination offers United a familiar and proven weapon on the left, and Carrick’s comments suggest he views rebuilding those instinctive partnerships across the pitch as central to his plans going forward.