Manchester United travel to face Everton today for the first time since the 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park last season.
That afternoon was arguably the nadir of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge and he apologised to the fans in the aftermath.
But as Solskjaer returns to the scene of that embarrassing afternoon, where have United improved since then?
What did Solskjaer say?
As per BBC, Solskjaer said after the game: “We were beaten on all aspects. The only place we beat Everton was the fans were unbelievable. I just want to apologise. This is not good enough.
“Things can change quickly and we need to change them from bad to good. That’s not worthy of a Man United team. We know that and we hold our hands up.”
What’s changed since then?
Of the starting team that day, Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku have headed to Italy, as has Ashley Young, who came on at half time.
Phil Jones, another starter that day, has faded from the first team picture, and Solskjaer should not be forced into using either Victor Lindelof or Diogo Dalot at full back this weekend.
United have a proper leader in defence with Harry Maguire, and there is more fight in this team.
So despite injuries, the side Solskjaer will select this time around should be stronger than the one which took to the pitch in April, even allowing for Paul Pogba’s injury.
What are United’s chances this time?
United fans shouldn’t be travelling to Goodison fearing a repeat.
But ten months on, has Solskjaer improved United enough since then?
United have just four Premier League away wins to their name this season, from 13 matches and there is still an absence of clarity on how Solskjaer wants his side to play at times.
That thrashing left United sixth, two points off fourth with four games remaining and they are currently fifth, three points behind.
They were hovering just behind the top four then and now the situation is much the same but today’s game provides a handy barometer of their progress since Solskjaer’s worst day in charge.
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