David Moyes will pit his wits against Michael Carrick next Monday when Everton take on Manchester United, but many years ago the Scot might have actually signed his opposite number.
Everton face United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and are looking to become the first side to defeat the Red Devils since Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim.
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He’s had a great impact so far, getting United back on track and putting them firmly in the mix for a top four finish.
Ahead of the game, Everton News looks back at the time David Moyes actually tried to sign Carrick during his first spell at the club.
David Moyes’ regret after failing to land Michael Carrick
Carrick is now carving out his managerial reputation.
But long before he was prowling touchlines, he was often standing out as a top midfielder in the Premier League.
Carrick is mostly remembered for his exploits with United, winning five league titles and a Champions League and several other cups.
But before joining United, he was actually targeted by Moyes, who wanted him in 2004.
This was when Carrick was actually still at West Ham United, and Everton, Crystal Palace and Portsmouth were all keen.
But it was Tottenham Hotspur who won the race, paying just under £3 million for his services. He went on to make 75 appearances for Spurs before transferring to United for around £18 million.
Some years later, Moyes said of Everton missing out on Carrick (via Sky Sports): “We talked about Carrick for a long time when he was leaving West Ham, but it didn’t quite come off.
“He was one player we were really interested in and he’s turned into an excellent player.
“Am I surprised? No, I think when you look back you’d have to say that maybe all the signs were there.
“Maybe Tottenham were the ones who saw the potential that could come through, but it looks as though United are getting the best out of it, even though I thought he was already a really good player at Tottenham.
“I think he’s taken his game to the next level at United, though.”
Moyes vs Carrick for the first time
Carrick went on to become one of the finest English midfielders the Premier League has seen, and Moyes’ regrets about not signing him were understandable.
Everton went on to have some great midfielders of their own. But Carrick really was a top player, who very often got overshadowed by the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes.
Monday will see him come up against Moyes for the first time and it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top.
Moyes is obviously hugely experienced, but he’ll face a test in United’s interim head coach. Hopefully, the Scot won’t have more Carrick regrets next Monday.
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